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Housatonic Valley Regional High School - Where Tradition Meets Innovation

Falls Village, Connecticut

Nestled in beautiful and historic Falls Village, Connecticut, 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 Environmental Systems Co. (ESC), A Fidelity Company. 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. ESC’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, ESC’s work ensures that the school remains a leader in sustainability and operational efficiency.

“HVRHS has had the pleasure of working with ESC for many years,” says Jeffrey Lloyd, Facilities Engineer at the school. “Everyone at ESC is very courteous and professional, and with ESC, I don’t just feel like a customer—I feel like a part of the ESC family.”

Enhancing Comfort and Efficiency

One of ESC’s key contributions is our work in Building Automation, enabling HVRHS to manage its energy systems seamlessly. 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. ESC’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, ESC 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, ESC 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 ESC 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, ESC 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. With Jeffrey Lloyd’s dedication to the school and its students, coupled with ESC’s innovative solutions, the school continues to thrive. Jeffrey, who goes above and beyond by crafting trophy cases and even installing a clock in the school’s cupola, speaks positively about our ongoing collaboration:

“ESC’s expertise has been invaluable,” says Jeffrey. “Their team is like an extension of our school.”

ESC’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 ESC’s commitment to delivering long-term value to its partners.

The synergy between HVRHS and ESC exemplifies the potential of a customer partnership built on shared goals. As the school looks to the future—whether with its on-hold solar project or further advancements—ESC remains an ally, ensuring that HVRHS stays at the forefront of education and sustainability.