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GRP|WEGMAN Helps Ritenour School District Lower Energy Consumption, Costs with LED Lighting Upgrade

March 7, 2023

GRP|WEGMAN, an energy services company, recently completed an extensive lighting upgrade project for the Ritenour School District. The program involved upgrading non-LED lighting to new LED lights and fixtures as well adding several occupancy sensors across the 14 buildings in the school district.

The updated LED lighting will not only lower operational and maintenance costs but will also helped reduce energy consumption throughout all Ritenour’s buildings—saving an astounding 1.4 million kilowatt hours in total! This not only benefits the school district financially but helps contribute towards their overall sustainability and reduces their carbon footprint as well.

As a result of these upgrades on February 28, 2023, Ameren Missouri BizSavers Program representative, Jim Travis presented Dr. Chris Kilbride, Superintendent at Ritenour, with an impressive rebate check for $141,804. To celebrate their successful collaboration with the school district on the lighting upgrades, Fred Weber and Lukus Clymer of GRP|WEGMAN were in attendance for the check presentation.

"We want to thank Dr. Kilbride, Mike Smith, Dwight Lindhorst and the Ritenour School District for entrusting this project to GRP|WEGMAN" said Fred Weber, Director of Business Development. "Our whole team, from engineering to electricians, works diligently to make sure projects like these are successful. We are delighted to have been able to bring about such beneficial changes in the local community, while also helping the district save money!"

For example, an outdated library can be transformed into a collaborative learning commons with flexible seating, technology-rich workstations, and interactive displays.
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A vacant classroom can become a makerspace where students can explore hands-on learning and develop critical skills in science, technology, engineering, and math.

But the vision doesn't have to stop at the classroom door. Schools that have sat vacant for three to five years represent some of the most compelling adaptive reuse opportunities in any community. A shuttered school can be reimagined as:

Affordable senior housing or elder wellness space – bringing dignity and community connection to an aging population that helped build the neighborhoods these buildings once served. Engage stakeholders early in the process to gather input and build support for the project. Students, faculty, and staff can provide valuable insights into the types of spaces and amenities that will best support their needs.
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A veteran support center, offering stable, supportive environments for those transitioning back to civilian life. Prioritize flexibility and multi-functionality in the design process. Creating spaces that can adapt to changing needs and serve multiple purposes will maximize the value of the investment. This may include incorporating movable walls, modular furniture, and technology-rich infrastructure.
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An early childhood, daycare, or parent support center to expand local services for pre-school aged children.
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A community center or "third place" – a gathering space for neighbors who need programming, connection, and services outside of home and work.

And as cities track demographic shifts and prepare for the next wave of population growth, these buildings stand ready to be restored to their original purpose, welcoming students again when the community needs them most. A vacant school is never just an empty building. It's stored potential, waiting for the right plan and to serve the community and bring it back to life.

When planning an adaptive reuse project, educational institutions should consider these key strategies:

Engage stakeholders early in the process to gather input and build support for the project. Students, faculty, and staff can provide valuable insights into the types of spaces and amenities that will best support their needs.
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Prioritize flexibility and multi-functionality in the design process. Creating spaces that can adapt to changing needs and serve multiple purposes will maximize the value of the investment. This may include incorporating movable walls, modular furniture, and technology-rich infrastructure.
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Consider the long-term impact of the project, not just for the educational institution, but for the community as a whole. By repurposing these spaces, schools and universities can ensure that they have the necessary facilities to meet the evolving needs of their students and the wider community.
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By embracing adaptive reuse and implementing these strategies, educational institutions can transform underutilized spaces into vibrant, engaging learning environments that inspire students and support academic excellence. As schools and universities consider the future of their facilities, adaptive reuse should be a key strategy in their planning process.

GRP|WEGMAN's infrastructure specialists are here to help you redevelop your spaces for your community's current and future needs.