Alliance Building Solutions is being brought on to handle Ripon Unified’s Energy Efficient Project.

The San Diego-based company is a leader in clean energy, HVAC and lighting, control, and electrical solution.

Trustees voted unanimously upon the recommendations of the local Request for Proposal Committee on the hiring of ABS, LLC at Tuesday’s monthly session.

ABS is a design-build and privately held energy services provider that delivers on energy efficient and sustainable projects in the educational, municipal, and private sectors.

The total cost to RUSD is estimated at $12.7 million.

 However, the projected savings to the district throughout this project (about 18 to 24 months) is in the $38.5 million range – the project will be financed via a 0% PG&E On Bill Financing and a tax-exempt Lease Purchase Financing Agreement with Metro Futures, Inc.

According to RUSD Director of Facilities, Operation & Safety Services Andy Strickland, ABS completed an audit at not cost to the district to provide a list of solutions at several of facilities.

Included were recommendations of LED lighting upgrades, HVAC replacements (in particular, the older ones at the various sites), mechanical upgrades, solar photovoltaic installation, transformer replacement, and indoor air purification.

Implementing LED lighting retrofits, for example, would offer energy savings, improve visual quality while reduce maintenance costs.

Building controls would be a simple thermostat replacement.

HVAC upgrades would realize energy savings, improve facility occupancy comfort, and reduce maintenance and repair costs.

Solar Photovoltaic systems would serve as an effective energy solution for offsetting utility costs.

Transformers would ensure power distribution is at its optimal level.

And indoor purification would reduce respiratory issues, protecting one’s health from pollutants such as dust, mold, and chemicals.

ABS, in addition, would complete every step of the process from start to finish while eliminating staff time and coordination of complete an energy project of this nature.