Dickinson Independent School District (DISD) is nominated for the TEMA Project of the Year Award for their impressive chiller retrofit project. This ambitious undertaking involved replacing 18 outdated air-cooled chillers across seven campuses, funded through a SECO Loan Star Cool Chillers low-interest loan. The project has yielded significant results, including a 136 kW reduction in demand, annual savings exceeding $80,000 (691,123 kWh), and over $63,000 in rebates, with a projected lifetime cost savings of over $1.4 million.
Beyond the substantial energy and financial benefits, the project has enhanced learning environments by improving temperature and humidity levels, allowing operations staff to focus on preventive maintenance and long-term sustainability. DISD's collaborative and innovative approach not only addressed critical infrastructure needs but also facilitated updates to their energy plan, improved air quality, eased budget constraints, and effectively communicated their successes to stakeholders. Their dedication and impactful results serve as a commendable model for energy efficiency initiatives, making them a highly deserving candidate for this award.