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Wendel partnered with Starpoint Schools to deliver $6.7M in projected savings through a strategic Energy Performance Contract and a long-term facility planning approach.
Civil Engineer
sransbottom@wendelcompanies.com
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School districts everywhere are feeling the pressure. Aging facilities, rising energy costs, and limited funding leave little room for proactive improvements. But even in the face of these challenges, there’s a way forward. For Starpoint Central School District, a smart investment in energy planning became the starting point for long-term savings, sustainable upgrades, and greater financial flexibility. With Wendel as their partner, the District turned a moment of strain into a strategic opportunity.
Starpoint Central School District partnered with Wendel to pursue a district-wide Energy Performance Contract (EPC) to reduce operational costs, enhance building efficiency, and support long-term capital planning. With a 550,000-square-foot campus serving nearly 2,800 students across four schools, the District saw an opportunity to address deferred maintenance and rising utility expenses without placing an added burden on taxpayers.
Wendel began by conducting a comprehensive energy study valued at $74,850. By securing $52,800 in incentives, the District’s total cost for the study was reduced to just $22,050, a smart first step toward a larger, long-term strategy. From there, the District strategically implemented some of the recommended energy measures through the EPC model, integrating the remaining items into a broader capital improvement project.
Both implementation tracks leverage a combination of state building aid, energy savings, and incentive funding to offset debt service, allowing the District to move forward confidently with minimal financial risk and maximum long-term value.
The EPC measures now in place deliver meaningful and measurable outcomes. With over 1 million kilowatt-hours of annual electricity savings, 3,448 MMBtu in natural gas reductions, and a total annual cost savings of $127,532, the District is on track to generate a projected $6.7 million surplus revenue over 15 years. These savings improve operational efficiency and allow the District to reinvest in other key areas of campus improvement—all with a guaranteed 48-year simple payback.
The implemented scope of work included LED lighting retrofits, building envelope improvements, domestic hot water system upgrades, and water conservation strategies, each aligned with Starpoint’s goals for sustainable school design. Wendel also supported participation in the NYSERDA Benchmarking Program and assisted the District in achieving ENERGY STAR® Certification, reinforcing a commitment to responsible energy use.
Starpoint’s EPC served as a tactical project and as the foundation for a broader infrastructure strategy. The District created a flexible and fundable path forward for campus-wide upgrades by starting with an energy study and layering in capital planning.
This success story is a model for other school districts exploring energy efficiency, long-term planning, and fiscally responsible reinvestment. Through trust, transparency, and integrated delivery, Starpoint turned an energy project into a comprehensive strategy for the future