Transforming classrooms:

A Design-Build revolution for healthier, future-ready schools

Transforming classrooms: A Design-Build revolution for healthier, future-ready schools

Overview

A regional school board in Eastern Ontario partnered with Envari to modernize three schools, upgrading heating, ventilation, air conditioning (HVAC), lighting, and electrical systems. The goal was not only to improve energy efficiency but also to create healthier, more comfortable learning environments for students and staff.

With a tight summer timeline and limited resources, Envari’s design-build approach proved ideal, completing the project on time and within budget. By working closely with the board to prioritize upgrades that balanced energy savings with student well being, Envari supported the board in making strategic, long-term decisions.

The challenge: Time, budget, and aging infrastructure

The school board was grappling with aging infrastructure that needed urgent attention. Specifically, outdated HVAC systems, poor lighting, and insufficient electrical networks were negatively impacting the learning environment. The board faced several challenges:

Short time frame: The work needed to be completed within a narrow two-month window during the summer break, which was essential to avoid disrupting the school year.

Limited resources: The board had a small internal team and found it difficult to manage multiple contractors and handle the complex coordination, while also overseeing their broader portfolio.

Outdated systems: HVAC units were failing, and lighting systems were outdated, leading to energy inefficiency, poor air quality, and discomfort in classrooms.

Given these challenges, the school board needed clear advice on where to begin and what to focus on first, seeking a solution that would improve functionality and comfort without disrupting school operations.

Overview

With a tight summer timeline and limited resources, Envari’s design-build approach proved ideal, completing the project on time and within budget. By working closely with the board to prioritize upgrades that balanced energy savings with student well-being, Envari supported the board in making strategic, long-term decisions.

The challenge: Time, budget, and aging infrastructure

The school board was grappling with aging infrastructure that needed
urgent attention. Specifically, outdated HVAC systems, poor lighting,
and insufficient electrical networks were negatively impacting the
learning environment. The board faced several challenges:

Short time frame: The work needed to be completed within a narrow two month window during the summer break, which was essential to avoid disrupting the school year.

Limited resources: The board had a small internal team and found it difficult to manage multiple contractors and handle the complex coordination, while also overseeing their broader portfolio.

Outdated systems: HVAC units were failing, and lighting systems were outdated, leading to energy inefficiency, poor air quality, and discomfort in classrooms.

Given these challenges, the school board needed clear advice on
where to begin and what to focus on first, seeking a solution that would
improve functionality and comfort without disrupting school operations.

The solution: A tailored design-build approach

Envari’s team took a comprehensive, hands-on approach to assess and revamp the schools’ infrastructure. The design build methodology, which combines planning, design, and construction under one contract, proved crucial in meeting the school board’s objectives.

Step 1: Site assessments & custom solutions

Envari engineers conducted thorough site visits to evaluate each school’s unique needs. This allowed them to design customized solutions that addressed both immediate concerns and long-term goals. The recommendations included:

School 1: Replacing outdated air handlers with energy recovery ventilators (ERVs), installing variable refrigerant flow (VRF) heat pumps, and upgrading electrical systems to handle the new equipment.

School 2: Integrating ERVs with existing air systems, upgrading classrooms with VRF heat pumps, and expanding the building automation system (BAS) for centralized control.

School 3: Retrofitting the gym with modern air handlers and updating classrooms with VRF heat pumps, also unifying all systems under a centralized BAS.

In addition to HVAC and electrical upgrades, Envari recommended replacing outdated ceiling tiles and fluorescent lighting with modern LED fixtures featuring dimmable controls. This upgrade improved energy efficiency, enhanced the visual appeal of the classrooms, and provided long-term savings.

The solution: A tailored design-build approach

Envari’s team took a comprehensive, hands on approach to assess and revamp the schools’ infrastructure. The design build methodology, which combines planning, design, and construction under one contract, proved crucial in meeting the school board’s objectives.

Step 1: Site assessments & custom solutions

School 2: Integrating ERVs with existing air systems, upgrading classrooms with VRF heat pumps, and expanding the building automation system (BAS) for centralized control.

School 3: Retrofitting the gym with modern air handlers and updating classrooms with VRF heat pumps, also unifying all systems under a centralized BAS.

Step 2: Efficient planning & execution

Once the assessments were complete, Envari’s engineers pinpointed the most cost-effective, high-value solutions and prioritized the urgent tasks, ensuring the project progressed smoothly and without delays. This included:

Pre-ordering long lead items: Key equipment with long lead times (e.g., air handlers and heat pumps) was ordered early to avoid delays.

Modular solutions for tight spaces: Modular air handlers were used in schools with limited access, allowing for faster, more efficient installation by enabling components to be brought in through narrow entry points and assembled on-site.

By taking this proactive approach, Envari ensured the project moved smoothly and was completed on time, with minimal disruption to students and staff, as the work was completed during the summer break.

CIRCLE metal-ceiling-pipes-modern-air-conditioning-system-installation

Step 2: Efficient planning & execution

Pre-ordering long lead items: Key equipment with long lead times (e.g., air handlers and heat pumps) was ordered early to avoid delays.

Modular solutions for tight spaces: Modular air handlers were used in schools with limited access, allowing for faster, more efficient installation by enabling components to be brought in through narrow entry points and assembled on-site.

The results: A transformed learning environment

The Envari team delivered far more than just upgraded systems. The project provided tangible benefits for the school board, staff, and students. Here are some of the main outcomes from the project:

1. Enhanced learning environments:Classrooms became
brighter, more comfortable, and better ventilated. Improved air quality, temperature control, and lighting directly contributed to a healthier environment for both students and staff.

2. Energy and cost savings: New HVAC systems (ERVs and VRF heat pumps) reduced energy consumption and operational costs, providing long-term savings while ensuring optimal performance.

3. Centralized system control: The integration of a building automation system (BAS) allowed staff to remotely monitor and control heating, cooling, and lighting, leading to energy savings and simplified maintenance.

4. Sustainability: The adoption of energy-efficient systems aligned with the school board’s environmental goals, contributing to reduced carbon emissions and a more sustainable future.

5. Reduced workload for the school board: Envari’s design-build approach streamlined the entire process, allowing the school board’s small team to focus on other priorities while Envari handled the heavy lifting.

6. Seamless communication and timely delivery: The design-build process eliminated the need for multiple contractors and project delays. By managing all aspects of the project in-house, Envari ensured smooth communication, minimized change orders, and delivered on time.

7. Strategic upgrades for long-term success: In addition to addressing the school board’s immediate needs, Envari recommended high-value, low-cost improvements and worked with them to plan for future upgrades. This approach ensured the schools were set up for long-term success, with a clear path for future enhancements.

The results: A transformed learning environment

The Envari team delivered far more than just upgraded systems. The project provided tangible benefits for the school board, staff, and students. Here are some of the main outcomes from the project:

Conclusion: Future-proofing education facilities

Envari’s expertise and design-build approach helped the school board address immediate needs while laying the foundation for long-term success. Completed on time and within budget, the project not only aligned with sustainability goals but also created healthier, more comfortable learning environments, setting the stage for students to thrive academically and reach their full potential.

Conclusion: Future-proofing education facilities