The Elk Grove school district is performing a slew of repairs and upgrades to campuses this summer.

Projects include repairing roofs and installing all-weather track and field facilities. School officials also plan to open two elementary schools next month.

District facilities officials delivered an update on the projects to the Elk Grove school board at their June 13 meeting.

They also announced that the district gained $84.2 million last month during the first sale of their new Measure M bond. Bank of America Merrill Lynch was awarded the winning bid for the Measure M bond. Voters approved the $476 million general obligation bond last November to repair and modernize the districts aging schools.

District officials are still aiming to place the tax levy for property owners within the district at $38 per $100,000 of a propertys assessed value.

Weve had a lot of work since the success of Measure M and quite frankly its been non-stop, the districts facilities superintendent Rob Pierce told the board.

On the districts drawing board over the next 10 years are $360 million in campus modernization projects and $100 million in projects requested by stakeholders.

At the top of the projects are roof repairs at eight schools that are scheduled to be finished this summer. Affected schools include Valley, Laguna Creek, and Sheldon high schools as well as two buildings each at Elk Grove and Foulks Ranch elementary schools.

This winters storms reportedly caused roof leak problems. Pierce mentioned that many rooftops went unrepaired for years due to deferred maintenance funds from the state.

I know those arent the most feel-good projects in the world but I promise you when you have a leaky roof and the building is not secure it can cause a lot of other issues, he said.

District officials also plan to spend state funds from Proposition 39 to help fund the roof repairs as well as to install new heating and air conditioning systems this year. They are aiming to complete Prop 39 energy projects at 26 schools, according to a district staff report.

Also on tap are all-weather track and field facilities for Florin, Franklin, Laguna Creek, Pleasant Grove, and Valley high schools. Plans are to begin construction next month and finish before soccer season begins in early November. These facilities will be funded by Measure M; the district staff did not have total project cost, as of press time.

Pierce mentioned that shade structures were the most popular amenities requested from parents. His staff plans to install those structures at more than 30 campuses next year.

The district will hold grand openings for McGarvey Elementary School in Rancho Cordova on July 11 and Zehnder Ranch Elementary School in Elk Grove on July 13.

Continued here:
School district's Measure M projects underway - Elk Grove Citizen

June 21, 2017 by Bjorn Sturmberg, The Conversation Getting your strata committee to agree to solar panels is tricky, but it can be done. Credit: Stucco

While there are now more solar panels in Australia than people, the many Australians who live in apartments have largely been locked out of this solar revolution by a minefield of red tape and potentially uninformed strata committees.

In the face of these challenges, Stucco, a small co-operative housing block in Sydney, embarked on a mission to take back the power. Hopefully their experiences can serve as a guide to how other apartment-dwellers can more readily go solar.

From an energy perspective, Stucco was a typical apartment block: each of its eight units had its own connection to the grid and was free to choose its own retailer, but was severely impeded from choosing to supply itself with on-site renewable energy.

Things changed in late 2015 when the co-op was awarded an Innovation Grant from the City of Sydney with a view to becoming the first apartment block in Australia to be equipped with solar and batteries.

A central part of Stucco's plan was to share the locally produced renewable energy by converting the building into an "embedded network", whereby the building has a single grid connection and manages the metering and billing of units internally.

Such a conversion seemed like an ideal solution for solar on apartments, but turned into an ideological battle with the electricity regulator that took months and hundreds of hours of pro bono legal support to resolve.

In this way the Stucco project grew to embody the struggle at the heart of the Australian electricity market: a battle between choice and control, between current regulations that mandate consumers to choose between incumbent retailers, and the public's aspirations for green self-sufficiency.

A chicken and egg problem

Embedded networks have been around for decades. Yet if the Australian Energy Regulator had its way, they would be banned as soon as possible.

The reason for this is that they inhibit consumers' choice of retailer: consumers are forced to buy their electricity from the building's embedded network management company, which may exploit its monopoly power.

Yet it doesn't have to be this way. At least one company in Germany allows apartment residents to buy power either from their preferred grid retailer or from the building's solar-powered embedded network. This business model relies on Germany's smart meter standards that ensure all market participants can access the data they require.

We currently find ourselves in a standoff. The regulator is waiting on companies to offer solar powered embedded networks that include retail competition, while companies are waiting on the regulator to create an accessible playing field that would make such services viable.

The recently released Finkel Report touches on this by recommending a "review of the regulation of individual power systems and microgrids".

Stucco's bespoke solution

In the absence of such a solution, Stucco made a unique agreement with the regulator: the co-op committed to cover fully the costs of installing a grid meter for any unit whose occupant wishes to exit the embedded network in the future.

Such a commitment was feasible because Stucco's residents, as co-op members, have direct input into the management of the network including controlling prices (that are mandated to be cheaper than any grid offer). But it is difficult to image regular strata committees accepting such liabilities.

Embedded networks are therefore not the best general solution for retrofitting solar on apartments, at least not under current regulations. This is unfortunate because they represent the best utilisation of an apartment block's solar resource (Stucco's system provides more than 75% of the building's electricity) and are therefore increasingly being adopted by developers.

Advice for apartments

The good news for residents of existing apartments is that there are easier routes to installing solar. The even better news is that the cost of solar systems has plummeted (and continues to do so), while retail rates continue to skyrocket, so much so that body corporates are reporting rates of return of 15-20% on their solar investments.

The recommended options for apartments are epitomised by the old adage "keep it simple". They fall into two categories: a single solar system to power the common area, or multiple smaller systems powering individual units. Which of these is best suited to a particular apartment depends primarily on the building's size (as a proxy for its energy demand).

For buildings with 1 square metre of sunny roof space per 2m of floor space (typically blocks up three stories high), it is worth installing a solar system for each unit, as these will typically be well matched to unit's consumption.

Taller buildings (with less sunshine per apartment) are better off installing a single system for the common area, particularly if this contains power-hungry elements such as elevators or heating and cooling systems.

But here's the crux: no apartment can install solar without the political support of its strata committee. While this hurdle has historically tripped up many initiatives, increased public awareness has created a groundswell of support. Plus you may need fewer votes than you think.

To improve the chances of overcoming this barrier I have put together a solar-powered apartment pitch deck, available here.

While this article focuses on solar, it is important to remember that the first priority for any building should be to improve energy efficiency, by installing items such as LED lights, modern appliances, and insulation and draft proofing. For advice on these opportunities see the City of Sydney's Smart Green Apartments website and the Smart Blocks website.

Lastly, adding batteries to an apartment solar system creates extra challenges, for instance fire-prevention planning. But it allows for far greater energy independence and resilience, and a chance to join the future of distributed energy currently being enjoyed by so many of Australia's non-strata householders.

Explore further: UAE's first solar-powered gas station opens in Dubai

This article was originally published on The Conversation. Read the original article.

A government oil company in the United Arab Emirates says it has opened the country's first solar-powered gas station in Dubai.

A new estimate from the U.S. government shows that California met its goal to produce about half the state's electricity from renewable sources for three hours on March 11.

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Rising electricity prices have become a fact of life in Australia and are likely to be so for a few years to come.

For a country with so much sunlight, some might think Australia has been slow to adapt its electricity generation mix to include solar power. One of the main reasons for this is solar intermittency.

In order to determine where bed bug outbreaks are occurring and the best way to prevent and control infestations, entomologists examined 2,372 apartments in New Jersey and looked at factors such as the age, race, and gender ...

A telecom company in the Netherlands has teamed up with the country's traffic safety authority to develop a bicycle lock that also blocks its mobile network, in a move aimed at protecting young riders who regularly pedal ...

A data analytics firm that worked on the Republican campaign of Donald Trump exposed personal information belonging to some 198 million Americans, or nearly every eligible registered voter, security researchers said Monday.

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Get in on the ground floorhow apartments can join the solar boom - Phys.Org

Fix-It Chick: Some tips on choosing and installing a new thermostat Lawrence Journal World Instead they set average heating and cooling schedules based on the manual adjustments occupants make to the thermostat throughout the week. Step 2: To replace a thermostat, use the breaker or fuse in the service entrance panel to turn off the power to ...

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Fix-It Chick: Some tips on choosing and installing a new thermostat - Lawrence Journal World

Randy Parson, an employee of Tira Builders of Hillsboro, cleans up the front entryway of the Highland County Courthouse Tuesday afternoon in preparation for the installation of new front doors. Work continues on restoring the interior and exterior of the courthouse and adjacent Highland County Prosecutors Office, including the offices HVAC system, which has caused maintenance headaches - and even fires - for years.

David Wright | The Times-Gazette

In the oldest continuously used courthouse in the state of Ohio, battling the elements seems to be a part of everyday life and, while temperatures rise, work continues on climate control solutions at the adjacent Highland County Prosecutors Office.

Highland County Prosecutor Anneka Collins told The Times-Gazette Tuesday afternoon that her offices HVAC system has been faulty for some time, and her staff has reached a consensus on the matter.

Its hot, the prosecutor said over the hum of fans set up throughout the office.

Assistant prosecutor Molly Bolek said the best way to combat the heat is with a cold treat.

Its a good excuse to eat ice cream at 10:30 in the morning, Bolek said, to which Collins added, She had to eat it fast because it would have melted.

Bolek insisted that the morning ice cream fix was important for her pregnancy.

According to Bolek, the extreme temperatures in the past have come with a cost she nearly lost a pet fish to a wintry blast before former Highland County Sheriff Richard Warner revived the aquatic pet.

He saw its mouth move, and he put it in warm water and saved it, Bolek said.

A fish in Collins office, however, was not so lucky the creature froze to death during a cold snap, according to the prosecutor.

Collins said the climate control issue has plagued the courthouse for years due to the buildings outdated HVAC system. According to Collins, bad wiring in the walls caught fire twice last year, and that wasnt the first time it had happened.

Were used to it at this point, she said.

Collins, whose office is located on the second floor of the old stone county jail building adjacent to the courthouse, said she appreciated the Highland County Board of Commissioners for their efforts to address the problem. But she said she hopes its fixed sooner rather than later preferably in time for upcoming grand jury deliberations.

We mean this all in good fun, Collins said. They have been actively trying to fix this although I would like for the grand jury to not have to step over fans.

Highland County Board of Commissioners President Shane Wilkin said the commissioners are working with Plug Smart, a Columbus-based energy efficiency company, and Greenfield-based Wellers Plumbing and Heating to find a fix.

We are working with Plug Smart and Wellers to find a solution as quickly as we can regarding the HVAC issues they have been experiencing in the courthouse, Wilkin said.

In the meantime, work continues on restoring the courthouses exterior. A two-man crew was out Tuesday afternoon installing new front doors in the buildings main entryway.

Brad Tira, owner of Tira Builders of Hillsboro, told The Times-Gazette that the project was a little more complicated than he had anticipated, but that they would have a set of new, custom-made mahogany doors installed by Wednesday.

Reach David Wright at 937-402-2570, or on Twitter @DavidWrighter.

Randy Parson, an employee of Tira Builders of Hillsboro, cleans up the front entryway of the Highland County Courthouse Tuesday afternoon in preparation for the installation of new front doors. Work continues on restoring the interior and exterior of the courthouse and adjacent Highland County Prosecutors Office, including the offices HVAC system, which has caused maintenance headaches and even fires for years.

http://www.timesgazette.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/web1_courthousedoors.jpgRandy Parson, an employee of Tira Builders of Hillsboro, cleans up the front entryway of the Highland County Courthouse Tuesday afternoon in preparation for the installation of new front doors. Work continues on restoring the interior and exterior of the courthouse and adjacent Highland County Prosecutors Office, including the offices HVAC system, which has caused maintenance headaches and even fires for years. David Wright | The Times-Gazette

HVAC issues plague prosecutors office

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Heating, cooling headaches at Highland County Prosecutor's Office - Hillsboro Times Gazette

Some students in the Campbell Union High School District may soon be more comfortable in class during hot summersand chilly winters.

The district has reached the halfway mark in revamping the heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems at its five high schools.

The issue with the systems came to a head in September 2015, when the district ended two school days earlydue to scorching temperatures that were expected to reach at least 100 degrees both inside and outside the classroom.

Since then the district has been working to update heating and cooling in classrooms and other teaching facilities like gymnasiums.Most of the schools were built in the early to mid-1960s with no air conditioning or had antiquated systems, according to the district.

All schools will have new systems by May next year, according toNancy Torres Pfeiffer, the assistant superintendent of business services.

The project has been split into two phases. The first phase from May to November last year saw heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems upgraded at Del Mar, Leigh and Branham high schools. As of now, only 30 percent of Branhams classrooms and instructional spaces have working air conditioning. The other 70 percent are being assessed since the campus relies on three different outdated systems.

We have received positive feedback from teachers at Branham,Torres Pfeiffer said of the first round of upgrades.

The second phase began in November and focuses on installing heating, ventilation and air conditioning units at Prospect, Westmont and the remaining classrooms at Branham.The units are not like those found in homes, they are considered industrial,according to Pfeiffer

Some of the work will start during the summer, Torres Pfeiffer said, and will continue into the school year and bedone after school hours.

Torres Pfeiffer said each school site is at a different stage of progress. Prospect and Branhman pose the greatest challenges due to the age and complexity of their systems. Prospects units will need the most work at a cost of approximately $3.8 million, Torres Pfeiffer said.

She said the districts goal is to get a majority of work done at Prospectfirstand roll out a schedule for the remaining school sites to reach completion by May.

The district will also install LED bulbs in multipurpose rooms and outside gyms as a way cut energy costs.

The projects costs are not final, but Torres estimates $18 million total.

Funding comes from Measure AA, a bond measure approved by voters in November, as well as borrowed money, according to Torres Pfeiffer.

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Campbell high schools will have new heating, AC systems next year - The Mercury News

BROWNSVILLE - Located at 1900 North Expressway, Suite O, Brightwood College in Brownsville is one of three Brightwood College campuses celebrating Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration (HVACR) Technician Day June 22. This day celebrates the more than 300,000 certified technicians who inspect, service and install HVACR systems in the United States.

The HVACR diploma program at Brightwood College is designed to provide students with the knowledge and skills necessary to safely install, troubleshoot and repair equipment used in the home and in light commercial industry settings. This program also includes preparation for the following certification examinations: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) certification, Industry Competency Exams (ICE) and North American Technician Excellence (NATE) certification. Upon successful completion of this program, graduates will be able to isolate malfunctions in heating, air conditioning, heat pump and refrigeration systems, as well as design, fabricate and install ductwork to provide proper airflow in heating and cooling systems, among other skills. The Brightwood College Career Development team will help students in this program to develop job-search skills and open doors to employment.

Brightwood College in Brownsville is committed to ensuring the economic growth of our community by taking students and producing outstanding employees, says Campus President Colin Ellis. We are grateful for the robust partnerships we have with employers who value the skills of the graduates we provide for our local job market.

A qualified HVACR technician can help homeowners and businesses choose the right energy-efficient heating and cooling system and provide regular maintenance to keep it running at peak efficiency. HVACR technicians work in extremely hot conditions in the summer, numbingly cold conditions in the winter and often in cramped spaces, but their work is critical to homeowners and businesses. These professionals provide practical benefits, helping people to save on energy bills, reduce carbon footprint and keep a home or office comfortable throughout the year.

Completion of the HVACR training at Brightwood College can take as little as 48 weeks. Students who receive their HVACR diploma can pursue careers as HVACR technicians, HVACR installer/repair technicians or small appliance technicians. According to the Bureau of Labor and Statistics 2015 wage data and 2014-2024 employment projections, jobs in this area are projected to grow an average of 14 percent.

Click here for more information about the HVACR Technician program. To learn more about Brightwood College in Brownsville, call (956) 547-8200 or visit http://www.brightwood.edu/brownsville.

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Brightwood College in Brownsville Celebrates National HVACR Technician Day June 22 - KRGV

Minnesota State Community and Technical College Commercial Refrigeration instructor Travis DeJong went swimming with the sharks this spring and came away with $22,700 to help train his students in the latest refrigeration industry technology.

With the support of Carrie Ward, dean of technical programs on M States Moorhead campus, DeJong applied for a Shark Tank Innovation Fund grant to pay for installation of state-of-the-art commercial refrigeration equipment in his programs lab.

The Innovation Fund, a project of the Minnesota State system, is designed to reward innovative teaching at Minnesotas 54 two-year and four-year colleges and universities.

In his pitch to an Innovation Fund panel, DeJong explained that most supermarkets and warehouses today use a rack system that utilizes a single computer to control nearly all their operations from refrigeration cooling units to lights in the parking lot.

With nearly $100,000 worth of computerized rack system equipment already donated by his programs business partners, DeJong requested the Innovation Fund grant to pay for the professional installation of the system in his M State refrigeration lab, along with training and curriculum-writing costs.

He said the new equipment means M State students will have the opportunity to physically work on the equipment used in the marketplace today. Currently students are able to go out to industry sites and see the technology in use, but theyre not able to touch, install or operate it.

The programs business partners will also benefit, DeJong added, since M State will be providing them with a workforce thats already trained in cutting-edge technology.

Currently, few certified refrigeration technicians know and understand this technology, DeJong said in his grant application. Students in our technical programs should be working on the equipment that business and industry use every day.

Installation of the new refrigeration equipment will begin in the Commercial Refrigeration lab on M States Moorhead campus during the summer.

The one-year Commercial Refrigeration program is designed as a second year of specialized training for graduates of M States Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning/Refrigeration program and for refrigeration technicians who have previous industry experience.

DeJong said business partner support for the program has been strong in part because of an anticipated labor shortage in the industry both in the Fargo Moorhead area and nationally; industry projections warn there will not be enough trained technicians to replace the 300,000 who are expected to retire in the next five years.

According to labor outlook projections, regional employment among heating and air conditioning mechanics and installers is expected to increase by 5.1 percent over the next four years.

DeJongs grant application was one of 10 winning proposals for Shark Tank Innovation Funding announced in May. Competitors for the funding had to present their ideas to a panelist of educators, legislators and business community members. In making the award, the review committee said M State provided a compelling market analysis of potential job opportunities for students in the Commercial Refrigeration program.

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Commercial Refrigeration awarded $22700 in 'Shark Tank' funds - M State News

We are available all the time and are always happy to help. We respond to questions promptly.

What separates us from other Cape Cod Heating Cooling Contractors? A & L Heating, Cooling & Home Improvements offers the greatest value to our customers. We only employ the most experienced professionals in the area. The owners, Luke and Alec, are native Cape Codders and graduates.

The quality and value of our work guarantees you receive the best service in the Cape Cod area. We encourage you to call, but you can also email us or leave a message through the contact form and Luke or Alec will call you back promptly.

We also have no problem with staying and completing a job even if that means staying past dark to get your HVAC system working properly.

Cape Cod Heating Cooling Contractors, A&L Heating, Cooling and Home Improvements, has been helping Cape Codders stay warm and cool since 2007. During that time, we have developed an excellent reputation for quality, responsiveness, and fair pricing.

We maintain, repair, sell and install HVAC systems. Our HVAC repair services are available 24/7 and we can repair and maintain any brand.

In keeping with our love of energy efficiency, we are now a MassSave Preferred Contractor. We also sell and install new or replacement windows and doors for homes and businesses.

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Cape Cod Sandwich Heating Cooling Contractors Barnstable ...

Photo by Jeff Dorris, staff Price Heating and Cooling is ready to ensure your home or business is cool for the summer. Owner Charlie Price states keeping your system clean is imperative for the proper operation of your system.

Charlie Price, owner and operator of Price Heating and Cooling, is ready to get your home or business cool during the Bootheel regions hot and humid summers.

I do any service work, said Price. Residential and commercial, cooling and heating systems installation, and any kind of repairs.

Price grew up in West Memphis, and moved to Kennett last year after marrying his wife, Traci, a native of Hornersville, and physical therapist with Twin Rivers Regional Medical Center.

Price appreciates the support of his wife in starting this endeavor.

Shes my business partner.

Price was a land surveyor for 10 years, followed by 10 years of service with his hometown fire department.

I wanted a change of pace, something different.

After pursuing a career in the medical field, he decided to do something he really enjoyed.

I love working hands on, said Price.

A fellow medic with the department had a sideline heating and air conditioning business, and Price began working with him.

I then put myself through school and started my business shortly after.

Since the start of the business, Price has kept busy throughout the region, with a majority of business in Kennett.

Price is currently working on a maintenance contract agreement with his customers.

Ill maintain documents and records on everything I do, tracking parts and dates installed, priority service, discount prices including 15 percent off repairs and an additional 5 percent off for veterans.

The agreement will also include spring and and fall maintenance appointments to prepare your system for summer and winter.

Price stresses keeping your system clean.

Proper maintenance will reduce your bills and prolong the life of your system, said Price. Ive seen systems that are well maintained that last 30 years.

Price Heating and Cooling serves southeast Missouri and northeast Arkansas.

He is a certified universal technician, licensed and insured.

Price accepts cash, check, debit, and credit cards.

For more information on the maintenance contract agreement or any service/repair questions contact Price at 901-652-0353 or pricehvac77@gmail.com.

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Working to keep people cool this summer - Daily Dunklin Democrat

For those looking for furnace repair and heat pumps installation, there is one company that has been a name to reckon with offering servicing, repair and maintenance related to ones heating unit.

This press release was orginally distributed by ReleaseWire

Indianapolis, IN -- (ReleaseWire) -- 06/16/2017 -- From installing an HVAC heating pump unit to its repair, servicing and routine maintenance, Bolls Heating & Cooling is a name to rely upon. For years, the company has been providing extensive repairing and installation services under the same umbrella. For their exceptional customer service and on-time delivery, they have managed to make a name of their own in the area they have been serving with a smile on their faces.

With changing times, they have changed too. To be able to keep up with the latest trends, they have also upgraded themselves in with continuous education and training. Using latest technology in fixing issues with HVAC system, they have always assured to deliver the best result possible.

At Bolls Heating & Cooling, the expert technicians can understand the importance of maintaining consistency which is the key to success, and they have always been successful in doing so. Over the years, they have excelled in combining technological expertise and old-fashioned personal service to meet needs of both commercial and residential customers. From heating pump installation to furnace repair in Zionsville and Brownsburg, IN, they have become the trusted name for their commitment and exceptional customer service. By conforming to the industry standards, they strive to maintain the transparency while delivering their services.

All the technicians working in the company are fully certified and licensed. They are not just experts in performing routine check-ups but also assisting their clients in tackling critical situations.

Get in touch with the experts for issues related to heat pumps in Indianapolis and Avon. Call them at 317-638-1541 (Indianapolis) 812-332-6557 (Bloomington) for more details.

About Bolls Heating & Cooling Bolls Heating & Cooling has been offering air conditioner repair in Avon IN apart from installation and maintenance since 1948. They have some of the best and experienced technicians on the team who can handle all issues related with your ac unit.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/announcing-affordable-furnace-repair-by-bolls-heating-cooling-in-zionsville-and-brownsburg-818514.htm

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Announcing Affordable Furnace Repair by Bolls Heating & Cooling in Zionsville and Brownsburg - Digital Journal