Durango 9-R Preliminary Audit Presentation
Date: September 13, 2022
Presenter: Ashlee Kruger
Organization: Veregy
Agenda
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The Road Traveled
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Where Are We Now?
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Preliminary Audit Results
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The Road Ahead
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Q&A
About Veregy
Veregy is an innovative consulting, design, construction, and service solutions company focused on:
Primary Market: K–12 education sector
Our Mission Pillars:
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Educational: Student/staff engagement and campus technology improvements
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Financial: Measurable cost reductions with flexible funding models
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Operational: Safer, more efficient environments through simple integrations
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Community: Strategic communication via media, videos, and newsletters
9-R Engineering Team
Featuring credentialed professionals from:
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San Jose State University – Branden Morhous, CEM, CMVP
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Stanford University – Amanda Maki, EIT, LEED AP BD+C
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Princeton University – Robin Liu, PE, LEED AP
Past Project Experience Includes:
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J.O. Combs USD, Sahuarita USD, Cartwright USD (AZ)
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Santa Barbara County Net Zero Plan
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San Francisco Fuel Switching Study
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Alhambra USD benchmarking and EV studies
Where Are We Now?
Actions Completed:
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Collected 24 months of district-wide utility data
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Established baseline utility usage
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Held Sustainability Committee planning meeting
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Conducted CMMS/BAS integration discovery with staff
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Performed in-person assessments covering:
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Mechanical systems
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Controls
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Lighting
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Water systems
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Solar potential
Why This Matters: Goals & Benefits
Goals:
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Collaborate: With district leaders using expert-level data
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Lead: On energy efficiency and climate action in Durango
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Deliver Results: Reduce energy and operational costs
Benefits:
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Informed, transparent decisions
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Measurable improvements
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Community support and trust
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Financial savings and funding opportunities
Facilities Baseline: Durango 9-R Report Card
The report includes metrics for electricity, natural gas/propane, and water usage across all schools.
Key Sites Analyzed:
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Animas Valley, Durango High, Escalante MS, Florida Mesa, Fort Lewis Mesa, Park, Riverview, etc.
Metrics Include:
See detailed tables on pages 8 and 9 of the original document for site-specific data. Please email DSD Facilities if you need these tables in a different format for accessibility.
Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Emissions
Durango School District 9-R emits approximately 3,960 metric tons of CO₂e annually.
Equivalent to:
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855.99 passenger cars (1 year)
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21.72 railcars of coal burned
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474.41 homes' energy use (1 year)
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4,801.91 acres of U.S. forests for carbon sequestration
State Mandates (Colorado House Bill 21-1286)
Emissions Reduction Targets:
The 4 Rs Framework
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Reduce – Decrease overall energy use
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Refine – Improve operational practices
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Renew – Explore renewable energy options
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Re-Educate – Engage staff and students in new sustainable behaviors
Preliminary Energy Conservation Measures (ECMs)
Assessed at 11 district facilities. ECMs Identified:
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ECM 1: LED Lighting
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ECM 2: Water Efficiency Upgrades
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ECM 3: Controls (Orchestrated building automation)
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ECM 4–7: HVAC Systems (boilers, chillers, upgrades)
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ECM 8: PV Solar
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ECM 9: Battery Storage
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ECM 10: EV Charging
Details and school-specific applications available on page 14 of the original file. Please email DSD Facilities if you need this information in a different format for accessibility.
HVAC System Findings (ECM 4–7)
Analysis:
Benefits of Upgrades:
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Higher energy efficiency
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Increased comfort
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Standardization
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Right-sized HVAC systems
ECM Success Story
Facilities like Durango High School and Escalante Middle School demonstrated significantly lower energy use intensity (EUI) and utility costs after implementing ECMs.
Solar Opportunities (ECM 8)
Potential Sites:
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IMPACT Career Center
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Bus Barn
The Road Ahead
Next Steps:
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Conduct in-depth audit with renewable energy feasibility
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Collaborate with the Sustainability Committee on goals
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Develop a comprehensive climate action plan aligned with funding cycles
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Seek grants and rebates (e.g., City of Durango, BEST, IIJA, Colorado Energy Office, private foundations, utilities)
Q&A
Thank you for your time. Questions and feedback are welcome.
