Colts Neck Schools Launch $10M Energy Savings Improvement Program

COLTS NECK, NJ — The Colts Neck Township School District has launched a $10 million Energy Savings Improvement Program (ESIP) aimed at enhancing energy efficiency and the learning environment for students across the district, the district said Monday.

The ESIP, which will be implemented by DCO Energy, involves a wide range of energy conservation measures (ECMs) across all Colts Neck Township Schools facilities, district officials said.

The district’s investment will focus on long-term savings through advanced energy technologies, ultimately reducing operational costs and supporting sustainability goals.

Key components of the program include:

• District-Wide LED Lighting: The implementation of energy-efficient LED lighting throughout all schools is expected to reduce energy consumption and improve the lighting quality in classrooms, hallways, and other common spaces.
• District-Wide Energy Management System (EMS): The installation of an advanced Energy Management System will allow for real-time monitoring and control of energy usage throughout the district.
• Solar Power Purchase Agreement (PPA): 95% of the district's on-site electricity needs are expected to be generated, providing substantial cost savings.
• Unit Ventilator Replacement with Variable Refrigerant Flow (VRF): The district will replace outdated unit ventilators that will now provide heating and cooling to the classrooms. This HVAC technology allows for precise control of the amount of refrigerant flowing to multiple zones within school facilities. This should allow for individualized comfort and improved efficiency for the students and staff alike.

Facilities Manager Nicholas Moretta said he welcomes the upgraded HVAC systems and said the units will provide “cooling, heating, mandated fresh air, and a better breathing environment for staff and students for years to come.”

“The new HVAC system is equipped with bi-polarization that cleans the air by allowing contaminants to clump together and become larger, making it easier for them to get caught in the HVAC systems, improving indoor air quality,” Moretta said. “The unit also monitors CO2 levels and humidity.”

Moretta went on to say that the Energy Management System/Building Management Systems will allow the district to control the HVAC remotely, and work “hand in hand” with the energy efficiency measures that are a large part of the ESIP program.

"By investing in energy-efficient technologies and sustainable practices, we are not only reducing our environmental footprint but also enhancing the learning environment for our students," said Dr. Mary Jane Garibay, Superintendent of Schools. "This Energy Savings Improvement Program reflects our commitment to both fiscal responsibility and environmental stewardship, ensuring that Colts Neck Township Schools remains a place where innovation, education, and sustainability thrive for generations to come."

The implementation of the ESIP is projected to result in substantial energy savings over time, according to district officials, with the potential to reduce the district’s energy consumption by up to 24%. Through energy savings and capital investment, officials said the program is expected to pay for itself.

Additionally, through interactive learning tools, officials said students will gain insight into renewable energy, smart technology, and energy conservation strategies, enhancing STEM curricula with real-world applications.

“The Colts Neck Board of Education is happy to support long-term savings initiatives that benefit the students, teachers, administrative staff, and the taxpayers of this town,” Colts Neck Board of Education Member Brian Scarpa said. “The ESIP project is a fine example of comprehensive, forward-thinking and administrative planning.”

Kevin Walsh, Colts Neck Board of Education and Buildings and Grounds Chair, added that the project is “a major upgrade” to Colts Neck schools, and said kids will not only have air conditioning in all classrooms, but will also have new lighting, weatherproofed windows, and a good majority of roofs repaired to prevent leaks.

“Our district will benefit from greatly reduced energy costs with the installation of solar panels, and rebates in savings from JCP&L,” Walsh said. “This entire project was the result of smart budgeted dollars by our school board, and administrative team, and did not require going out for a referendum.”

At DCO Energy, Senior Vice President Valerie Moran said their partnership with Colts Neck Township Schools reflects DCO Energy’s “commitment to delivering innovative, sustainable, and fiscally responsible solutions."

Moran went on to say that the ESIP project will provide long-term savings, improve air quality and comfort, and introduce students to real-world applications of energy efficiency and sustainability.

"At DCO Energy, we understand that school districts need energy solutions that are not only cost-effective but also enhance the learning environment for students and staff…” Moran said. “This ESIP project will provide long-term savings, improve air quality and comfort, and introduce students to real-world applications of energy efficiency and sustainability. We are excited to work with the district to make these critical improvements a reality."

As part of the Energy Savings Improvement Plan (ESIP) initiative, DCO Energy is bringing its Competitive Edge Live Classroom to Colts Neck Schools.

In partnership with the district, DCO Energy and the Competitive Edge team will deploy this unique, experiential learning model that gives students real-world insight into energy efficiency and sustainability.

Through this program, students will:

• Track solar energy production from the 1.4MW on-site.
• Explore how energy-saving efforts reduce environmental impact.

For more information about the Energy Savings Improvement Program, you can contact Vincent S. Marasco, Business Administrator/Board Secretary, at marasco@coltsneckschools.org.