Warren County Public Schools - ESPC
See case study PDF, developed by UndauntedK12: Warren County Public Schools (KY) Energy Tax Credits
See case study of ESPC project, developed by CMTA: Warren County Public Schools
25 schools | 18,750 students
Warren County Public Schools is counting on energy tax credits to support its growing community
Warren County Public Schools (WCPS), Kentucky's fourth largest and fastest-growing district, is setting a national standard in building design and energy efficiency.
Home to over 140,000 residents, Bowling Green is projected to grow by an additional 90,000 residents within the next 25 years—a rate that has driven WCPS to take proactive steps to meet the needs of its expanding school community.
The district, which enrolls around 450 new students every year, is leading the charge in leveraging energy tax credits to create healthier learning environments for its growing population while generating substantial long-term savings.
The district earns these credits, which are accessible as a cash reimbursement thanks to Elective Pay, when installing highly efficient technologies like geothermal heat pumps and solar energy systems. WCPS is expecting $1,742,406 in energy tax credits for the installation of a geothermal system at the recently renovated Briarwood Elementary School and WCPS Board Office.
Working with CMTA, an industry-leading engineering and performance contracting firm headquartered in Louisville, the district has five additional facilities in construction or in design that will feature geothermal heating, three of which will also feature solar energy systems. Future projects include Warren Elementary, Greenwood High School (both under construction), Dillard Elementary, the Impact Center, and a new Central/Board Office.
These projects are expected to generate millions in additional energy tax credits for the district (Investment Tax Credit - Sec 48 for geothermal and the Clean Electricity Investment Credit - Sec 48E for solar).
By integrating clean energy technologies, WCPS is set to secure millions of dollars in tax credits while significantly reducing energy costs. These savings will be redirected toward priorities that strengthen educational outcomes, provide additional classroom resources, and deliver on competitive salaries for teachers.
“Warren County Public Schools is dedicated to staying ahead of the curve when it comes to energy efficiency and innovation,” said Chris McIntyre, COO/CFO for the district.
“By leveraging clean energy tax credits, we’re not just building better schools for today—we’re creating a sustainable foundation for generations of students to come.”