Overview

Located in Farmville, Virginia, Fuqua School is an independent, co-educational, non-sectarian day school, which enrolls approximately 3,300 students in preschool through twelfth grade.

A majority of Fuqua's buildings were built in the 60s and 70s, with the most recent upgrade being in the early 90s. As a result of deferred maintenance, due to the lack of funds, the aging buildings and their major systems and equipment were nearing or had already reached their end of life.

Our Approach

The Fuqua School partnered with Southland to develop $1.82 million in paid-from-savings solutions, focusing on the lower school classrooms, upper school gym, and Gee Price, the school's auditorium. The funds, provided via VirginiaSAVES, rebates, and grants, also allowed Fuqua to expand the scope and include full replacement of failing roofs on two buildings. 

$1.82 million in paid-from-savings solutions

The design-build energy savings performance contract (ESPC) measures included the addition of variable refrigerant flow (VRF) in two buildings to provide a ductless and efficient heating and cooling system. The VRF was installed without impacting the buildings' learning space and contributed to the schools' overall savings by zoning aggressively and not providing heating or cooling to unoccupied spaces.

Southland also installed campus-wide controls systems, upgraded the direct digital controls, and integrated the controls into one building automation system. Additionally, Fuqua's geothermal system within the lower school was retro-commissioned as it was not functioning properly, creating uncomfortable environments, and increasing operational costs.  

Result

The project reduced annual energy costs by over 25%, renewed aging infrastructure resulting in additional operations and maintenance savings, and improved the overall learning environment.