Rockwood Capitalizes on Incentives for Completing Energy Efficient Projects

The recent HVAC upgrade at Ridge Meadows Elementary, completed in the summer of 2023, resulted in an incentive rebate of $23,364.86 from the Ameren Missouri BizSavers program for engaging in energy efficient improvements.

This is the continuation of a longstanding emphasis on energy efficiency and fiscal responsibility by the Rockwood Facilities Department. Since 2014, the district has received – or is in the process of receiving – more than $1.3 million in incentives from Ameren and Spire Energy.

Coordinator of Maintenance and Grounds Services Bill Branson said Rockwood has been working with the Fenton-based Automatic Controls Equipment Systems to perform HVAC renovations, controls upgrades and retro-commissioning projects on many Rockwood buildings. The district also has a successful ongoing relationship with Facility Solutions Group, which has assisted the district with the acquisition of energy-related incentives through Ameren and Spire Energy on executed mechanical, electrical and plumbing projects throughout the district.

Over the past nine years, the district has applied for incentives for 45 projects. This includes upgrades at Geggie Elementary, the Administrative Annex, Eureka Elementary, Crestview Middle, Rockwood South Middle, Wild Horse Elementary, Eureka High, the Vandover Early Childhood Center, Kehrs Mill Elementary, Bowles Elementary and Ridge Meadows since 2020.

Through these improvements, the district has saved an estimated 8.6 million kilowatt-hours, which translates to an average of $740,000 annually.

Branson also noted that Rockwood has been striving to save energy and be fiscally responsible with its maintenance projects since at least the early 1990s, when former staff member Pat Fine served as the district’s energy manager.

“The Rockwood School District continues to explore the most cost-effective and reasonable options to achieve our energy management goals,” said Director of Facilities Chris Freund. “Our partnerships with Automatic Controls Equipment Systems and Facility Solutions Group have proven to be very successful in these efforts.”