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Ask a Trane Expert: Energy Efficiency, Renewable Energy and the Future of Education

When it comes to building infrastructure, the systems of the future will be leaner and greener. The transformation to carbon-reduced and carbon-free solutions is well underway. What will the decarbonation transformation mean for your schools? We sat down with Trane’s Ty Vierling and Eric Bauer to find out.

Published: July 19, 2023

Q. What are schools doing today to help reduce their future environmental impacts?

A. We’re seeing many schools using the current funding influx to install more energy-efficient systems. Connected buildings—those that use a building automation system to integrate control over HVAC, lighting and other systems—can gain great ongoing benefits too. Controlling systems more intelligently to match the way buildings are used every day can be a big energy saver. Of course, reducing energy use has the bonus of helping to reduce energy costs, too.

Q. Do you see any big game changers coming up?

A. Renewable energy is ramping up. We’re installing a lot more solar panels and geothermal systems in schools today. Systems that were once viewed as “desirable”, but not economically practical, are seeing a significant boost from the Inflation Reduction Act.  These systems now not only offer help to lower operating cost, but can also be the lowest initial cost.

Q. Renewable energy might be the future, but aren’t there reliability concerns?

A. The best way to manage the variability is by pairing renewable energy production with thermal energy storage—ice tanks that that work like a battery for the HVAC system. It gives the system the ability to store and recover thermal energy, as well as charge or discharge it based on the availability of renewable energy and the building’s cooling needs. Renewable energy production can be inconsistent, and this ensures a more consistent and reliable supply.

Q. What about schools in colder climates, how does this apply to heating?

A. It’s easy for people to wrap their heads around using ice tanks for cooling. Trane has been using ice-based thermal energy storage in cooling systems for decades. Now, we’re also applying that science to heating systems. It’s all about capturing the energy that is produced and released during the phase change from water to ice. Thermodynamics at work in the system allow it to heat or cool or do both. In a way, it’s a renewable energy system because it turns any building into its own low-carbon heating source.

Q. We’re educating the next generation of scientists. Any advice on how we can get kids more engaged in STEM?

A. Drawing down carbon emissions is going to take decades of continuous innovation. Did you know that Trane has created age-appropriate, energy-focused curricula that use students’ classrooms as real-world learning labs? Our two BTU CREW™ programs for students in grades 4-7 and 8-10 bring STEM learning to life using your building and energy analytics tools. Programs for grades 11-12 introduce higher-level tech learning and build awareness of in-demand technical career paths. And our work with NC3 is creating curriculum for sustainability minded students in secondary education settings. Learn more here: Trane K-12 Education Programs

Energy Services for K-12 Schools

A custom energy services approach can help your school perform in the present and plan for the future.

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  • Efficiency

  • Energy Services

  • K-12

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Ty Vierling, Energy Services Business Leader

About the Author

Ty Vierling, Energy Services Business Leader

 

Ty leads the Energy Services East team in acquiring and implementing complex facility projects in the Eastern U.S., including Florida, Southeast, Southern Atlantic, Great Lakes, Mid Atlantic, and Greater Northeast Regions. In this role, he supports the East team in creating long-term partnerships that help customers meet their key organizational objectives. Ty is known for his passion for innovative solutions that improve customers’ businesses. 

Eric Bauer, Energy Services Business Leader

About the Author

Eric Bauer, Energy Services Business Leader

 

Eric leads the Energy Services West team in acquiring and implementing complex facility projects in the Western United States & Canada, including Pacific Northwest/Rocky Mountain, Pacific Southwest, Texas/North Louisiana, Upper Midwest, Midwest, and Canada Regions. ​

In this role, he supports the West team in creating long-term partnerships that help customers meet their key organizational objectives. Eric is known for his passion for innovative solutions that improve customers’ businesses outcomes and has been in the industry for over 27 years.​

Eric resides with his family outside of Portland Oregon and continues to leverage his experience in the Energy Service space across all vertical markets.