Florida School District Cuts Energy Costs

Apr 15, 2026 3:22:56 PM | Energy

Florida School District Cuts Energy Costs

Matern Professional Engineering is modernizing central energy plants at two Flagler County, Fla., high schools in a districtwide effort to reduce operating costs and extend HVAC infrastructure life.

 

FLCPS_ENR Tx SE Article

Published in Engineering News-Record Texas & Southeast Industry News

Matern Professional Engineering's strategic central energy plant modernization at two Florida high schools is delivering significant operational savings and infrastructure longevity. The Flagler County School District's investment in these upgrades demonstrates the value of expert engineering in reducing energy consumption and extending the life of critical building systems.

"By reusing existing infrastructure at Flagler Palm Coast and expanding the plant at Matanzas, the district avoided more than $1 million in construction costs through value engineering and phased execution," according to the article. This approach exemplifies how strategic planning and engineering expertise can deliver substantial financial and operational benefits.

The central plant at Flagler Palm Coast High School, which came online in December, is projected to save more than 213,000 kWh annually and generated a $293,000 energy rebate for the district. Matanzas High School upgrades are scheduled for completion in spring 2027 and have already secured a $220,000 rebate, underscoring the long-term value of energy-efficient building systems.