Hope Public Schools partnered with Entegrity through an Energy Savings Performance Contract (ESPC) to address aging infrastructure, improve building performance, and reduce long-term operating costs across the district.
Following an investment-grade audit of district facilities, Entegrity developed a comprehensive improvement program that combined HVAC upgrades, LED lighting, water conservation, controls, and solar energy.
Hope Public Schools also leveraged ESSER funding to address aging HVAC equipment and indoor air quality needs. At the time, the district had more than 450 HVAC units across approximately 597,000 square feet, with roughly one-third of the equipment past its useful life and in poor condition. ESSER funds were used specifically for HVAC replacement, while savings generated through the larger energy project helped stretch those funds further and support additional improvements.
Project improvements included:
- 162 HVAC equipment replacements
- 219 HVAC equipment tune-ups
- HVAC controls improvements
- LED lighting upgrades
- Water conservation measures
- 1.13 MW-DC solar array
HVAC modernization represented a significant portion of the work. Entegrity evaluated 464 pieces of HVAC equipment across the district, ultimately replacing 162 units, including 104 at Hope High School. The improvements addressed a wide range of equipment, including rooftop units, condensing units, furnaces, energy recovery ventilators, fan coil units, ground packaged units, and an air handling unit. New equipment was installed and commissioned to verify proper operation and performance.
The project also incorporated a 1.13 MW-DC solar array located across from Clinton Primary School, providing another source of long-term energy and cost savings for the district.
Beyond facility improvements, the project supports Hope Public Schools’ broader “cradle to career” approach to education. Entegrity worked with the district to incorporate renewable energy into student learning, including solar suitcases that allow fifth- and sixth-grade students to safely experiment with a working solar panel and use it to power items such as fans, phone chargers, and light bulbs.
Dr. Jonathan Crossley, Hope Public Schools Superintendent, stated, “We’re innovating the public education experience to prepare students for employment and success after graduation. As the renewable energy sector continues to grow and provide cutting-edge opportunities in Arkansas, Hope students will expand their energy knowledge and see solar first-hand at their campus.”
