Summary
Matchbook Learning, a part of the Indiana Charter Schools system, chose Ameresco to renovate two industrial warehouses into a state-of-the-art high school and vocational facility with a focus on energy management and sustainability. The Match High School and Career Center is the first recipient to receive funding from the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Renew America’s Schools Grant that will help finance the transformative project. Integrated with advanced energy systems and renewable energy resources, the learning spaces will feature programming to prepare students for sustainable careers.
“We are excited about the development of The Match High School and Career Center as we look ahead to welcoming our first cohort of students in the summer. Providing students with a modern educational environment is a challenge top-of-mind for school leaders across the country, and we are invigorated by the DOE’s Renew America’s Schools Grant to embark on this comprehensive school infrastructure development project to support energy efficiency and sustainability.”
– Dr. Amy Swann
CEO, Matchbook Learning
165 kW
Solar Capacity
54,000 Sq. Ft.
Facility Size
$5.3 Million
DOE Grant Amount
$20,000,000+
Project Size
Customer Benefits
The Match High School and Career Center renovation project is designed to deliver numerous benefits for both the incoming students and the community, including:
- High efficiency systems to reduce energy consumption and operational costs
- Solar and BESS system to provide renewable backup energy to power the school’s operations
- Improved air quality and occupant comfort for students and staff
- Reduced greenhouse gas emission footprint
- Support for a technologically enhanced curriculum aligned with Matchbook’s mission to inspire students to reach their full potential
- In-depth vocational curriculum offering education in construction trades, welding, engineering, and entrepreneurship
- Serving the greater community through adult learning and apprenticeship programs
Solution
After an extensive RFP process, Ameresco was selected by Matchbook Learning to oversee all aspects of design, engineering and construction fulfillment for The Match High School and Career Center. Ameresco will develop the facilities serving grades 9-12 from two industrial warehouses spanning a combined 54K square feet, and the development of both buildings will amount to $20M+ of improvements and upgrades, including:
- Advanced building automation controls
- Building envelope improvements
- Insulated thermoplastic polyolefin (TPO) roofs
- Interior and exterior LED lighting upgrades
- Heat pump domestic hot water heaters
- HVAC upgrades
- 165 kW solar and battery energy storage system
- Integrating energy system information into the school’s curriculum
