Smarter Schools Designed in Racine Make for Smarter Students

Many school districts, including the Racine Unified School District (RUSD), want to balance occupant comfort, facility operations, and rising utility costs. Schools with older mechanical systems and aging building infrastructure face additional challenges in finding this balance.  

Over a decade ago, RUSD began looking for ways to improve buildings and reduce operating costs. Since then, the district has partnered with FOCUS ON ENERGY® to prioritize energy efficiency, including Energy Design Assistance (EDA) for new construction projects.  

In 2020, voters approved a referendum to improve RUSD schools. The Focus on Energy EDA team worked with RUSD to find ways to save energy for the future Red Apple K-8 S.T.E.A.M. (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) School. According to Peter Reynolds, RUSD’s Chief Operations Officer (COO), “We created a modern, high-performing learning environment while also spending taxpayer money wisely.” He adds, “Reducing long-term utility costs and improving building sustainability were both key priorities during project planning.”  

Students and staff now have a comfortable learning environment in the 120,000-square-foot facility. The building itself is educational. For example, it has see-through walls so students can view how HVAC systems work. The upgrades also support RUSD’s long-term goals by reducing energy use and equipment maintenance.  

“The Focus on Energy team was smart, responsive, and helpful throughout the process. The program provides valuable technical guidance and financial incentives that help make energy efficiency improvements achievable,” Reynolds further explains.

RUSD expects to participate with Focus on Energy again for future building projects. Since the 2020 referendum, the district has also received hundreds of thousands of dollars in rebates for improvements to their existing facilities. 

Project Credits

We Energies

Architect of Record: Groth Design Group, Inc.

Engineers of Record: Fredericksen Engineering, Inc. (Mechanical); MSA Professional Services, Inc. (Electrical)

General Contractor: Scherrer Construction