Bradford Central School District
Schuyler County
A Rural School District Learns How to Future-Proof its Approach to Energy
With help from NYSERDA, a future-focused district gets an energy audit and starts its journey toward more efficient classrooms.
In 2024, Bradford Central School District (BCSD) received funding from NYSERDA for a comprehensive energy audit.
The goal of the audit was to discover ways BCSD could improve long-term building performance, comfort, and savings, while reducing emissions and creating a healthier environment for students and staff.
Building Envelope Upgrades
The audit recommended insulation and air sealing upgrades to maintain indoor temperatures better, reduce energy use, and prevent drafts and moisture—especially in older areas. Replacing doors and windows would mean reduced drafts, improved thermal comfort, and lower heating demand.
Energy Conservation Upgrades
The audit laid out several ways the district could invest in leading-edge technologies, from rooftop heat pumps and solar arrays to smart infrared heater controls.
Recommended energy conservation upgrades (ECMs) that support long-term goals included:
- Cold-climate air source heat pumps
- Ground source heat pumps
- Unit ventilators
- Rooftop heat pumps
- Packaged terminal air conditioners (PTAC) units
- Variable refrigerant flow (VRF) systems
Energy-efficient unit ventilators, rooftop heat pumps, and PTAC units would improve classroom climate control. Infrared heater controls would reduce unnecessary heating in low-use areas like the bus garage. Technologies like VRF were proposed for more efficient zone-level temperature control. Some of these high-impact technologies recommended would also help reduce dependence on fossil fuels while improving comfort and air quality.
Additionally, integrated controls and demand reduction strategies could cut peak demand significantly and enhance operational efficiency while reducing utility costs.
Rooftop Solar Power
A solar photovoltaic (PV) system configuration for the K–12 building was proposed that would produce over 228,000 kWh each year. This upgrade alone would reduce electric bills and help meet carbon reduction targets.
Project at a Glance
Location: Finger Lakes Region
Enrollment: K-12
Objectives: Explore energy conservation options; achieve and monitor long-term energy savings; emissions reductions
Program: Clean Green Schools (transitioned to FlexTech)
Strategies for Success
The district is taking a long view of energy and has a solid base to make decisions because of several key factors:
1 - NYSERDA Partnership: Participation in NYSERDA’s Clean Green Schools Initiative program enabled access to energy expertise and detailed audit funding.
2 - Systems-Based Upgrades: Taking a wholistic approach and analyzing building envelopes and mechanical systems to consider measures for maximizing energy performance.
3 - Decarbonization Goals: By considering heat pumps and solar, Bradford CSD has been given a roadmap to transition from burning on-site fossil fuels to cleaner, more efficient electrification.
4 - Audit-Driven Planning: Careful auditing led to custom ECM packages for each building, ensuring upgrades will address the most impactful areas.
5 - Building Equity and Resilience: Improvements were designed not just for savings, but for better air quality, thermal comfort, and long-term infrastructure resilience.
With a clear plan and NYSERDA’s continued support, Bradford is well-positioned to move into the next implementation phase, which includes replacing ventilators with a VRF system. The anticipated completion date is late 2026.
Caption: A typical, older-style classroom ventilator that BCSD will replace. Source: BCSD“We are incredibly grateful for these grant funds, as this investment in building operations marks a transformative step for the Bradford Central School District. By fully electrifying our HVAC systems and improving indoor air quality, we’re not only creating a healthier, more comfortable learning environment for our students and staff, but also significantly reducing our energy usage and costs.”
– John Marshall, Superintendent, Bradford Central School District
Ready to learn more?
If your school would like to participate, explore the FlexTech program or contact us [email protected].