Housatonic Valley Regional High School (HVRHS) is a public high school serving six towns of the Region 1 School District: Canaan, Cornwall, Kent, North Canaan, Salisbury, and Sharon. Established in 1939 as New England’s first regional high school, HVRHS combines a legacy of excellence with a forward-thinking approach to education. Its comprehensive curriculum spans standard academics and unique elective opportunities, offering a variety of classes including drawing, color and design, painting, photography, pottery, sculpture, wood technology, metal technology, drafting, and a wide array of courses in agriculture—a program that features animal, food, and plant sciences, a barn, greenhouse, aquaculture lab, and a farm-to-table kitchen. The school prides itself on offering students hands-on experiences that prepare them for diverse career paths.

Beyond academics, HVRHS is a hub of innovation and sustainability, with state-of-the-art facilities supported by a community that values growth. This spirit aligns perfectly with our work at Fidelity Energy & Sustainability (FES). Together, we’ve formed a partnership that reduces energy use, elevates the school’s operations, and enhances the educational environment.

For HVRHS, maintaining a top-tier facility that matches its academic and extracurricular excellence is a top priority. FES’s expertise in Building Automation, Energy Solutions, HVAC/Mechanical Services, Life Safety, Security, and Audio/Visual has made a profound impact at the school. From upgrades to heating controls to implementing energy-efficient LED lighting, FES’s work ensures that the school remains a leader in sustainability and operational efficiency.

Enhancing Comfort and Efficiency

FES has played a pivotal role in modernizing the school’s energy infrastructure. Our expertise in Building Automation has enabled HVRHS to streamline its energy management processes and maintain optimal indoor conditions. Projects like the South Boiler Room Control System Upgrade and Building Automation Remote Access System have modernized the school’s infrastructure, ensuring precise temperature control and reducing energy waste. FES’s installation of variable frequency drives (VFDs) and inspections of unit ventilators further optimize HVAC systems, creating a comfortable and productive environment for students and staff.

Lighting the Way

In our commitment to energy efficiency, FES has transformed HVRHS with Luminaire Level Lighting Controls (LLLC). These state-of-the-art LED systems light the hallways and weight rooms at the school while significantly cutting energy costs. Beyond lighting, FES introduced comprehensive insulation solutions, enhancing energy conservation and lowering utility expenses.

Cutting-Edge Fire Safety

Safety is at the heart of any educational facility, and FES has delivered peace of mind to HVRHS through its Life Safety services. We’re currently in the midst of replacing the existing fire alarm system with the advanced Gamewell E3 Fire Alarm System, ensuring that the school meets the highest safety standards. Our attention to detail, including additional smoke detection upgrades, reflects our dedication to student and staff well-being.

HVAC/Mechanical Innovations for Seamless Operations

From boiler maintenance agreements to intricate valve installations, FES has tackled HVRHS’s HVAC/Mechanical needs with precision. Highlights include the replacement of oil pumps and compressors, which enhance system reliability, and the installation of Direct Digital Controls (DDC) in the North Boiler Room for efficient system monitoring. We’ve also installed a Java Application Control Engine (JACE) in the South Boiler Room.

A Shared Vision

HVRHS is more than a school—it’s a vibrant community where students explore passions, from designing in the robotics room to raising animals in the agriculture program. The collaboration between HVRHS and FES is rooted in a shared vision of excellence, sustainability, and community engagement. Looking ahead, HVRHS is poised to continue its journey of innovation with future projects, including a promising solar energy initiative. 

FES’s sustainability efforts at HVRHS have delivered measurable results for the school. Through phased LED lighting upgrades, the school saves over 247,800 kWh annually, translating to more than $49,800 in yearly energy cost savings. Additionally, insulation enhancements have reduced heating costs by $12,583 per year. These improvements not only bolster the school’s environmental footprint but also reflect FES’s commitment to delivering long-term value to its partners.

At FES, we remain committed to supporting the school’s goals, ensuring that HVRHS stays at the forefront of educational excellence and sustainable operations.

EXECUTED BY

Environmental Systems Co.
A Fidelity Company

CLIENT

Housatonic Valley Regional High School

CLIENT REFERENCE

Jeffrey Lloyd, Facilities Engineer

SCOPE OF THE PROJECT

Building Automation, Networked Controls, Installation of VFDs, LED Lighting, Life Safety Services

PROJECT TYPE

Energy Solutions

BUILDING TYPE

Education