Energy & Sustainability

Performance Contracting

Implementation of the upgrades under the Energy Savings Performance Contracting (ESPC) Program also known as "Performance Contracting" supports the environmental stewardship of the District. 

ESPC is a proven, alternative procurement method that has been widely used for more than thirty (30) years, is recognized by the U.S. Department of Energy, and permits government agencies to enter into a guaranteed energy, and water, or wastewater savings contract for a duration of more than one (1) year with vendors of guaranteed energy, water, or wastewater savings programs. These programs are financially guaranteed to achieve the projected savings by the Energy Service Company (ESCO) which reduces budget and operational risk to the District.

The objective of these projects are to generate significant consumption reductions and cost savings in energy and water utilities by upgrading necessary infrastructure and safety features including energy-efficient LED technologies and low-flow plumbing fixtures.

• The lighting upgrades consist of the replacement of existing fluorescent lights with new or more efficient LED lights.  This mainly involves lamp replacement, the addition of vacancy or occupancy sensors, ballasts removal, new gym light fixtures, new exterior canopies and parking lot light fixtures.
• The plumbing upgrades consist of the replacement of high-water flow fixtures with low-flow fixtures (toilets, urinals, flush valves, faucets and/or aerators), in compliance with SBBC Design Standards.

CASE STUDY 

BCPS’s Water Conservation Plan reflects our commitment to using water wisely for landscaping and recreational areas across all  all our facilities through thoughtful planning, technology, and education.  We aim to ensure long-term sustainability and responsible resource management through the implementation of the following strategies.

• Florida-Friendly Landscaping:
  We will utilize Florida-Friendly landscaping principles, emphasizing the use of native and drought-tolerant plants. These species require less irrigation and maintenance, while also improving soil health and promoting biodiversity.

• Soil Health & Moisture Retention:
  Organic materials and mulch will be applied to enhance soil quality and retain moisture, reducing the need for frequent watering.

• Smart Irrigation Technology:
  Our irrigation systems are equipped with Rainbird IQ Controls, rain sensors, or automatic shut-off switches to prevent watering during rainfall. Where applicable, soil moisture sensors will be installed to manage irrigation based on actual soil moisture levels.  

• Regulatory Compliance:
  We will strictly follow local watering restrictions, including permitted hours and days, and comply with all county or municipal water conservation ordinances.

• Seasonal Adjustments:
  Irrigation schedules will be seasonally adjusted to align with weather patterns and plant needs, avoiding unnecessary water use.

• Partnerships & Education:
  We collaborate directly with the Broward County Naturescape department, which conducts water audits to identify conservation opportunities across the district.  Staff also participate in the annual BCPS Custodial Leadership Conference, which includes training sessions on effective water conservation practices and environmental stewardship.

• Evaluation & Continuous Improvement:
  To assess the effectiveness of our water conservation efforts, we will regularly monitor and track water usage. Based on this data, we will make informed adjustments to improve efficiency and reduce waste.

SELF CONTAINED TRASH Compactors 

Trash compactors cut waste volume, reduce collection costs, control odors and pests, and help the environment. Fewer trips to the dumpster mean savings on bags, labor, and fuel.

Recycling

Recycling conserves resources, saves energy, reduces pollution, and helps fight climate change. It also supports jobs, boosts the economy, and protects ecosystems and wildlife.

District Wide Recycling Program

Waste Reduction 

Waste reduction is a key pillar of the Districts waste management strategy.

Reduce, Reuse, Recycle.  

Preventing waste in the first place has a greater environmental benefit than recycling, which still requires energy and resources for processing.  Ways to increase waste reduction are to utilize reusable water bottles, buying items with less packaging, or deciding to utilize electronic materials rather than printing.  

PartnershipS with Florida Power & Light

CURRENT

In February 2024, the School Board initiated an agreement with Florida Power & Light (FPL) to pilot a renewable microgrid at two public schools in Florida that are also emergency shelters.  FP&L prioritized Broward County Public Schools (BCPS) based on the execution of our school bus electric vehicle (EV) program.  Of the five special needs shelters two locations, Sheridan Tech High School and McNicol Middle School, were selected for this pilot based on location (low-income areas) and the presence of a permanent emergency generator.

FP&Ls proposed plan includes the installation of:

1. 617 kilowatt (kW) Direct Current (DC) solar array on the roof of Sheridan Technical High School Building 1 and a 300 kW battery bank; and,
2. 657 kW DC solar array on the roof of McNicol Middle School Building 3, a 550 kW battery bank, and an EV bus charger at one parking space. 

The preliminary estimates identify that the sizing of each of the systems (solar and battery) would provide 10-14 hours of emergency power per day.  In addition, the solar system will provide an energy offset (not net metering) during normal conditions.  

HISTORICAL

Between 2013 and 2015, a total of 11 Photovoltaic (PV) Systems donated by FPL and coordinated by the Environmental Conservation/Utility Management Department, were installed throughout the District.  These PV systems, ranging from 5KW to 10KW, are located at the following schools:

• Attucks Middle, 5KW completed 2013
• Blanche Ely High, 5KW completed 2013
• Driftwood Middle, 10KW, completed 2015
• Maplewood Elementary, 10KW, completed 2015
• McNab Elementary, 10KW, completed 2014
• New Renaissance Middle, 5KW, completed 2013
• Panther Run Elementary, 5KW, completed 2013
• Parkway Middle, 10KW, completed  2014
• Stranahan High, 10KW, completed 2014
• Tropical Elementary, 5KW, completed 2013
• Welleby Elementary, 10KW, completed 2014

The selection was based on the schools that were historically awarded the school year Energy Tools for Schools shared savings incentive award, enhanced/complemented their science curriculum needs, and to ensure that the arrays were equally distributed throughout the District.  FPL maintained the PV systems and provided a warranty for a period of five years from the in-service date.  At the end of the five year period, ownership was transferred to SBBC.  

SHARED SAVINGS DETAILS 

In the District's efforts to conserve our valuable natural resources and minimize utility expenses, the Energy & Sustainability Office provides reminders and helpful suggestions to help each school reduce consumption. 

“Turn it off”  - S&C sends out communication to schools (and District departments) to remind everyone to turn off lights, computers, set HVAC in AUTO before extended breaks (Spring Break, Fall Holiday, Winter Holiday, Summer).

We also work with other District departments to provide utility data in support of schools applications to the 1) How Low Can you go Challenge (Miami Heat); 2) Shared Savings Incentive Awards; and 3) P3 Eco Challenge

CONSERVATION CHECKLISTS