Ameresco building 165-kW solar + storage project on Indiana vocational school
Ameresco, a clean technology integrator specializing in energy efficiency and renewable energy, and Matchbook Learning Schools of Indiana will host a groundbreaking ceremony for The Match High School on Wednesday. This school will serve grades 9 through 12 and will feature a state-of-the-art facility for vocational learning and early career exploration.
In 2023, Matchbook Learning was one of 23 organizations chosen for the U.S. Department of Energy’s Renew Americas Schools Grant for critical facility and energy improvement funding. The grant, garnering over 1,000 applicants, totals over $5.3M, and will be used to partially fund the development of The Match High School and Career Center.
After a request for proposal process, Ameresco was selected by Matchbook Learning of Indiana to oversee all aspects of design, engineering and construction fulfillment for The Match High School and Career Center. The campus will comprise two buildings with the main school and the career center at separate sites.
The $5.3 million grant will finance a medley of energy improvements to The Match High School and Career Center buildings including a new 165-KW solar PV and energy storage system (BESS) which will provide clean, renewable backup energy to power the school’s operations. The improvements will feature new insulated TPO roofs, interior and exterior LED lighting and heat pump domestic hot water heaters within both buildings.
“Matchbook Learning was founded to revitalize the nation’s underperforming schools and inspire every student to reach their full potential,” said Sajan George, founder, Matchbook Learning Schools of Indiana. “Key to this undertaking is ensuring that students are served in sustainable facilities that provide students with a safe and inspiring environment for learning and collaboration.”
Ameresco will develop The Match High School and Career Center from two industrial warehouses spanning a combined 54,000 sq ft, and the development of both buildings will amount to over $20 million of energy upgrades.
“We are excited about the development of The Match High School and Career Center as we look ahead to welcoming our first cohort of students in the summer,” said Amy Swann, CEO, Matchbook Learning. “Providing students with a modern educational environment is a challenge top-of-mind for school leaders across the country, and we are invigorated by the U.S. Department of Energy’s Renew America’s Schools Grant to embark on this comprehensive school infrastructure development project support energy efficiency and sustainability.”
Integral to the operations of the Career Center will be the development of ultra-high efficiency rooftop units with building automation controls and a variable refrigerant flow heat recovery and ventilation system. The school will also feature building envelope improvements for long-term thermal energy savings.
“We are inspired by Matchbook’s mission and look forward to leading sustainability and energy efficiency upgrades for their newest school,” said Lou Maltezos, EVP, Ameresco. “We are honored to help make The Match High School and Career Center fully equipped to support student learning for years to come.”
The Match High School and Career Center will support a technologically-enhanced curriculum aligned with the organization’s goals of providing all students with a clear pathway to success. The career center building is expected to open its doors to students starting August 1, 2024, for the 24/25 school year, with the main school opening targeted for the second semester in January 2025. The Match Career Center will feature a vocational curriculum offering education in construction trades, welding, engineering and entrepreneurship.
News item from Ameresco