New Boilers at FHS Improve Efficiency and Save Money
FHS is receiving a 2020 Bond-funded update, taking inefficient boilers offline and replacing them with high efficiency condensing boilers. In addition to efficiency upgrades, the new system will be scaled to appropriately meet the needs of the FHS building. A mechanical engineer assessment calculated that the existing plant was oversized, producing nearly twice the necessary output. These new boilers are rated at 96% efficiency vs. the old ones which were field tested at approximately 75% efficiency. The resulting carbon dioxide emissions savings, at the high school alone, is equivalent to consuming 20,391 gallons of regular gasoline. Similar reductions are expected at other buildings, as FECC and UHS will both be receiving boiler replacements next spring, following TCEC’s boiler replacement and building renewal this past summer.
Watch for our infographic explaining environmental impacts in the next issue of Local: the Community Education Magazine!
Carbon Dioxide emission savings are calculated using the United States EPA's Greenhouse Gas Equivalencies Calculator. To try it yourself, you can enter the estimated gas savings of 3,290 MCF from this project on their website.
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First fives began their community helpers unit for the month of October with a visit from a Ferndale bus driver, Mr. Tom! The students were invited onto the bus to learn some bus safety and to ask questions about Mr. Tom's role as a community helper. Next stop for the young students will be a trip to Westborn Market to explore a local grocer, as well as a walk to the Pleasant Ridge police department. Students will also be visited by the Ferndale fire department!
If you're interested in helping out your community like Mr. Tom, Ferndale Schools is currently hiring bus drivers to work while students are in school. Starting pay is $20 an hour with paid training, paid time off, and benefits including enrollment credits in the MI Public Schools Employee Retirement Plan for as long as you are driving. The job posting can be found here: Bus Driver Job Posting. Call (248) 586-8896 for more details, email james.stottlemyer@ferndaleschools.org, or contact your school office.
Crews have been working rapidly to build up the masonry walls around the building. In the Second Grade wing, the roof is on and the cement floors are already poured, thanks to the hard work of machines, operators, and skilled workers. Below, a small group of friendly construction bots can be seen taking a well-earned break after assisting with the roof installation. Beep bop boop! (That means thanks for the lift.)
The Grant building, current home to the Tri-County Educational Center, was updated with a new boiler system, high-efficiency HVAC, and a roof improvement this summer. The interior also saw improvements, with new electrical, lighting, and flooring installed throughout.
The new K-2 Elementary building in Jackson Park is quickly coming together after a long summer of progress. The steel crews began installing columns in the lobby and gymnasium in early August. The masonry contractor can be seen finishing up the second grade wing below, and the walls of the new art room and the media center are in place.
