Pittsford CSD Advances Major Sustainability Upgrades with Energy Performance Project

As part of Pittsford Schools’ environmental sustainability efforts, the District’s Energy Performance Contract (EPC) has been approved, with work scheduled to begin later this month.

Over the past year, all District facilities underwent comprehensive energy evaluations to identify energy conservation measures that could be implemented through an EPC. These measures are designed to reduce energy consumption while generating long-term cost savings. An EPC allows school districts to redirect existing utility and operational expenditures into energy-saving capital improvements without increasing taxes.

As a result of this process, the District has entered into an Energy Performance Contract that includes 11 energy efficiency measures across all facilities. The project features District-wide LED lighting upgrades, building envelope improvements, water conservation initiatives, heat pump replacements, building temperature control optimization, renewable solar photovoltaic (PV) installations, and additional energy-saving measures. Collectively, the project is guaranteed to save Pittsford Central School District more than $700,000 annually.

After receiving New York State Education Department (NYSED) approval in the first week of December, the construction process has begun. Rooftop solar installation at Mendon Center Elementary School will begin before the end of the year. Mobilization for the remaining components of the project will start in early 2026, with lighting upgrades beginning in early February.

The rooftop solar PV system at Mendon Center Elementary School will be a 601 kW DC system, generating more than $67,000 per year in annual revenue. These savings will be credited directly to the District’s electricity bills through the Value of Distributed Energy Resources (VDER) program.

In addition, the solar project qualifies for more than $450,000 in federal direct-pay incentives through the Investment Tax Credit program.