Energy Upgrades at Rogers High School to Meet Clean Building Standards

In a move to comply with Washington State’s Clean Buildings Act and reduce energy consumption across its campuses, Puyallup School District is launching significant energy upgrades at Rogers High School. The improvements, guided by an in-depth study conducted by McKinstry, focus on replacing aging systems, improving comfort, boosting efficiency, and extending the useful life of vital infrastructure. 

The Clean Buildings Act, passed by the Washington State Legislature, is designed to improve energy efficiency and reduce greenhouse gas emissions in large commercial buildings, including public schools. Key requirements include meeting energy use intensity (EUI) targets, completing energy audits, reporting usage, and upgrading systems like HVAC, lighting, and insulation. Currently, only 5 of Puyallup’s 34 school buildings meet full compliance. 

Rogers High School is among the district’s highest-priority sites for upgrades. The school’s energy use was marked at 32.9 points above the state’s EUI target—placing it in the Tier 1 non-compliant category. Under the law, compliance requires one full year of reporting at or below the target, and Rogers must meet that standard by June 2027. That means essential upgrades must be completed no later than 2026. 

Rogers faces several pressing facility challenges, including outdated fan coils and air handling units nearing the end of their lifespan. Students and staff have also reported inconsistent temperatures and comfort issues throughout the building. In addition, the HVAC control system is outdated and incompatible with the district’s current energy management standards. 

To address these issues, the district’s plan includes: 

• Refurbishing 98 Fan Coil Units (FCUs) throughout the building to extend their useful life. 
• Upgrading 11 Air Handling Units (AHUs) in the gym and commons areas. 
• Commissioning a new HVAC control system, replacing the outdated Alerton IBEX system, and implementing improved operation schedules and strategies. 
• Testing and balancing (TAB) of both air and water systems to ensure optimal airflow and temperature regulation. 

These improvements are designed to help the district meet three main goals: 

1. Reduce overall building energy use and operational inefficiencies 
2. Improve comfort and air quality for students and staff throughout the school 
3. Extend the useful life of existing equipment and streamline long-term maintenance 

These improvements, fully funded by the 2024 Capital Levy for approximately $4 million, include refurbishing fan coil units, upgrading air handling systems, and installing a new HVAC control system to improve comfort, efficiency, and air quality. This work includes an awarded Energy Audit Grant—$95,000 of which will be reimbursed through the Department of Commerce.  The audit allows for the district to apply for the investment criteria pathway as we aim to help Rogers meet state energy use targets by June 2027, with projected annual energy

While modest financially, the environmental impact is more substantial, equivalent to 

• Removing three average-sized homes from the power grid 
• Switching off over 4,600 LED lightbulbs, or 
• Avoiding more than 113,000 vehicle miles 

“Rogers High School is a critical part of our plan to meet Clean Buildings Act requirements,” said Mike McCanna, Project Manager for Puyallup School District. “But this project goes beyond just energy compliance. We’re investing in the comfort of our students, the working conditions for our staff, and the long-term sustainability of our buildings. These upgrades are a critical step toward creating a healthier, more efficient learning environment.” 

With additional schools approaching critical consumption levels—including Puyallup High School and four others—the district is committed to phased improvements that align with both state mandates and community expectations for sustainable, well-maintained learning spaces. 

To learn more about how Clean Buildings Act requirements are impacting the Puyallup School District, visit our website at Washington State Clean Buildings Act and impacts on Puyallup schools - Puyallup School District 

To learn more about Capital Levy improvements and view a complete list of projects at all PSD schools, visit our website at 2024 Capital Levy - Puyallup School District