抖奶视频鈥檚 Business Energy Solutions program helps schools, nonprofit organizations, government agencies, and businesses of any size save on approved energy-efficient improvements, reducing both upfront costs and long-term bills. Pima College used the program to install new energy-efficient lighting, sensors, energy management systems and chiller variable speed drives.

鈥湺赌淌悠� encourages local businesses and schools to explore our programs that can help them realize substantial savings on energy costs while reducing emissions,鈥� said Aracely Lucero, Senior Key Account Manager and 抖奶视频鈥檚 liaison with the college.

抖奶视频 provided nearly $879,000 in rebates to Pima College for upgrades at seven locations in 2023 and 2024. This work was part of an energy conservation contract between Pima College and Trane Technologies for systems modernization with an efficiency focus. The initiative aligns with Pima College鈥檚 commitment to sustainability.

As a result of the upgrades, the college is annually saving nearly 8 million kilowatt hours of energy 鈥� enough to power 696 homes 鈥� or 671 million smart phones. Pima鈥檚 estimated annual cost savings will be about $395,000.

鈥淭his makes a big impact, not only on Pima Community College, but in the Tucson community. When consumption is reduced, we don鈥檛 have to build as many new energy resources,鈥� Lucero said.

Making Buildings Efficient

The upgrades were made at locations across the community, including PCC鈥檚 West, Downtown, Desert Vista, East and Northwest Campuses as well as its maintenance and security and main district offices.

鈥淭he college is grateful that these opportunities are available through 抖奶视频,鈥� said David Clark, Director of Facilities Infrastructure.

Pima collaborated with 抖奶视频 through our partners, including Franklin Energy, to conduct the work.

Buildings now have replaced older interior and exterior lighting with LEDs, resulting in 鈥渟ubstantial savings,鈥� Clark said. Pima also modernized HVAC systems with new controllers, called building automation systems, so the college can adjust thermostats depending on the size and type of facilities 鈥� like classrooms or kitchens vs. large auditoriums.

鈥淲e鈥檙e targeting specific temperature ranges so that the system is not overtaxed. It鈥檚 being monitored so it鈥檚 not expelling energy needlessly,鈥� Clark said.

In 2022, Pima qualified for about $265,000 in rebates on 14 projects. This year, Pima is continuing to work on additional upgrades to support the energy transition, Clark said.

Serving as Education Partner

In addition to incentivizing energy-efficient upgrades, 抖奶视频 collaborates regularly with the college on education, career preparation, scholarships and student support that enhance the job growth and economic development of the region.

Pima students in programs such as automated industrial technology are learning skills that can be applied for future jobs at 抖奶视频, including at our generating stations and control rooms, said Greg Wilson, Pima鈥檚 Dean of Applied Technology.

On April 18, 抖奶视频 representatives participated in National Signing Day, hosted at Pima, in which high school and college students commit to completing programs at Pima, much like athletes do for committing to college sports teams.

Learn more about the ways that 抖奶视频 supports Pima College.

Interested in energy-efficient upgrades for your workplace? Explore 抖奶视频鈥檚 programs and request a . Find a to get started.

The upgrades were provided at no cost through our customer-funded Commercial Schools Program, creating energy cost savings for selected schools as well as for our entire community.

Eight of the schools received new heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems units that will save a combined 1 million kilowatt hours per year.

Advanced Rooftop Controls were installed at the other two schools, enhancing the operation and efficiency of their legacy rooftop units. The new controls help HVAC 聽systems operate more efficiently and improve air quality while providing maintenance alerts for school employees through compatible software systems.

Together, these upgrades will save the schools an estimated $140,000 annually in energy costs.

鈥淭hese upgrades support the school environment and free up funds that the schools can use to invest in classroom, teaching and other education costs,鈥� said Edith Garcia, Senior Program Manager of Energy Programs.

In November 2022, 抖奶视频 sent information to local schools, inviting them to request new systems, said Edith Garcia, Senior Program Manager of Energy Programs. 抖奶视频 evaluated the schools鈥� proposals based on campus needs, the number of students, and the age and condition of their existing HVAC units. The selection and installations were completed last year.

Teachers and students at Sopori 鈥� a small school in rural Amado that is more than 50 years old 鈥� were especially appreciative for the replacement of the old heating and cooling system, said Ramon Andrade, the district鈥檚 Director of Facilities. The previous HVAC system had to work double time to get to the appropriate temperature. Because Amado is colder than other areas of Pima County, the classrooms were often chillier and took longer to heat up in the winter.

鈥淚t鈥檚 day and night. The school couldn鈥檛 be happier,鈥� Andrade said. 鈥淭he teachers were so grateful they could get units at their school.鈥�

Additional schools will be selected for new rooftop units, rooftop controls, and energy-efficient lighting this year. 抖奶视频 recently solicited applications from schools and is finalizing the list of selected campuses.

The program鈥檚 costs 鈥� $1.6 million to date 鈥� are funded by customers through a surcharge that supports energy efficiency programs approved by the Arizona Corporation Commission. All approved programs have been proven cost-effective for participants as well as customers at large, as the energy savings reduce 抖奶视频鈥檚 long-term need for new energy resources that contribute to higher rates.

The Commercial Schools Program extends our longtime efforts to help schools save energy and money. Since 2016, 抖奶视频 has provided energy-efficient lighting and installation at no cost to select, qualifying schools. Learn more about 抖奶视频鈥檚 energy-efficiency programs for schools.

The 2023 school recipients included:

• Flowing Wells Unified School District: Laguna and Richardson elementary schools
• Tucson Unified School District: Blenman and Wheeler elementary schools
• Sahuarita Unified School District: Sopori Elementary and Walden Grove High schools
• Sunnyside Unified School District: Apollo Middle School and Los Ranchitos campus
• Charter schools: Mexicayotl Academy and Edge High School

抖奶视频 worked closely with district officials for more than a year, providing technical assistance and other support for its successful application for an Environmental Protection Agency grant. 抖奶视频 also committed to providing funding for charging infrastructure and supplementing the grant to ensure that TUSD pays no more than the cost of conventional buses for its new electric models.

The zero-emission vehicles will contribute to cleaner air for everyone while providing other potential benefits to our community and our local energy grid.

鈥淲e are working with the district to determine how to feed energy from the bus batteries back onto the grid during summer peak periods when schools are out of service, and customer usage is high,鈥� said Gabriella Abou-Zeid, 抖奶视频 Program Manager for Beneficial Electrification.

鈥淲e鈥檙e proud of our role in supporting a key educational institution in transitioning their bus fleet to help improve air quality, reduce lifetime maintenance costs and support the grid for broader system-wide benefits,鈥� said聽Camila Martins-Bekat, 抖奶视频鈥檚 Principal for Beneficial Electrification.

The district cannot confirm when or how soon the school buses will be running and have not finalized agreements or formalized contracts as they continue working with stakeholders to understand the scope of work.

They鈥檙e just the latest highlight from our longstanding partnership with TUSD, which won a 抖奶视频 in 2023 for its work toward energy conservation and a brighter future.

抖奶视频 also has been working for years to promote cleaner transit by supporting the electrification of Sun Tran鈥檚 bus fleet, powering Tucson鈥檚 electric streetcar and donating 聽for use in the Sabino Canyon Recreation Area.

TUSD representatives said they were excited to receive the award. 鈥淲e are working in partnership with 抖奶视频 (抖奶视频) to finalize the logistics and move forward with the program,鈥� said Karla Escamilla, Director of Communications & Media Relations for TUSD.聽 鈥淭his is an amazing opportunity that will benefit our district, students, families, and the Tucson community.鈥�

抖奶视频 is working to simplify and accelerate EV adoption under a transportation electrification plan approved by the Arizona Corporation Commission.

Once 抖奶视频 finishes using the reels to store and transport wires and cables, we make them available to nonprofit groups and schools at no cost.

Christine Egan, the music teacher at Academy of Tucson Elementary School, 9209 E. Wrightstown Rd, turned several reels into tables that students use for instruments including ukuleles, maracas and tambourines. The tables will also feature prominently during the school’s Dec. 15 winter concert titled “We’re Better Together!”

Egan recently moved to Tucson from New York, where she performed in theatrical productions for more than two decades. When she was hired to build the school’s kindergarten to fifth grade music program, she looked for ways to improve the music room.

“A few months ago, I saw a news story about how 抖奶视频 donates wooden reels and I immediately emailed to see if we could get聽6 of them – and you all were amazing and came through for us,” said Egan.

She took the spools home and attached pieces of carpet to make them safe for classroom use, turning them into “鈥eautiful little xylophone聽tables for our students.”

“They love them and they’re very happy to have these in our room,” Egan said. “It provides some nice structure and organization to our space.”

Although the school does not have an auditorium, it stages performances in a tent on school grounds. Staff will move the wooden spool tables into the tent to create a performance space during the concert.

The wooden reels have been repurposed in a variety of ways by local schools and youth organizations, said Dulce Gibson, a 抖奶视频 Supply Chain Supervisor. Up to 20 reels become available every week.

鈥淚t鈥檚 nice to see the community’s creativity in reusing our materials,鈥� Gibson said. 鈥淚 was very pleased to learn that the school found a good way to extend the usefulness of our materials.鈥�

More information about 抖奶视频鈥檚 in-kind donations of items and services are available on our website.

Egan said the school will also hold a food drive during the upcoming concert.

“These are very uplifting, positive messages that we’re sending to our community,” Egan said.

Students were provided with clothes, shoes and backpacks, while teachers received training, technology and school supplies. 抖奶视频 provided financial and volunteer support for these assistance efforts as part of our commitment to expand educational opportunities in our community.

抖奶视频 works with nonprofit partners to develop invitation-based donation requests for education efforts. Funding to grant these requests comes from corporate resources, not customers鈥� rates.

Here are just three ways that we supported education this year:

Shoes and Clothes

Students can put their best foot forward with new kicks from a pair of 抖奶视频-supported shoe shopping events this month.

On Sept. 8, our employee volunteers took 10 children shopping for new shoes at Kohl鈥檚 through a partnership with the Amphi Foundation, which supports students in the Amphitheater Unified School District. Employees also packed school supplies in backpacks, which were given to the children at the event.

Shoes to Smiles events are held each month in support of one Amphi school, with students identified by counselors and principals. Last month, 抖奶视频 volunteers also helped refugee students and their families pick out clothes at the Amphi Foundation Clothing Bank.

This week, 抖奶视频 volunteers will help 100 students pick out new shoes and socks at a shoe shopping event run by the Educational Enrichment Foundation (EEF), which supports students and teachers in the Tucson Unified School District.

鈥淲e have a responsibility to help meet the basic needs of children in our community. Having a pair of comfortable shoes is important for their physical development and has a positive impact on their social and emotional health,鈥� said Doyace Wilson, Vice President of the EEF Board and an Engineering Project Manager for 抖奶视频.

Earlier in the summer, our employees also volunteered at Badges and Backpacks, an event put on by Pima County Sheriff鈥檚 Department volunteers to provide supplies for children before the school year begins.

Technology and Supplies

抖奶视频 also helped provide schools with the resources they need to support children.

Our company has donated more than 159,000 pounds of electronic items to the ‘s Computers for Education program since 2014. The 3000 Club is mostly known for its Market on the Move program, which makes up to 60 pounds of food items that are overstocked, undersized, or too ripe for shipping available for just $10. But the club also provides refurbished technological equipment to schools.

With these donations, The 3000 Club can provide between eight and 12 computer systems a month to qualifying students, schools, veterans and teachers. Any items that can鈥檛 be repaired and reused are recycled through the Reducing Our Waste program, which provides public school group volunteers with an opportunity to learn and practice disassembling skills. The group also sells refurbished electronic items to fund its other programs.

鈥淲e believe a parent shouldn鈥檛 have to choose between this week鈥檚 food and an operating PC for their school-aged kids to complete their studies. Our program provides complete systems to Tucson鈥檚 fifth grade and older students who are income-qualified,鈥� said Pam Boyer, Executive Director of The 3000 Club. 鈥淲e are extremely grateful to 抖奶视频 for these generous donations.鈥�

抖奶视频 also contributed $10,000 to the Full STEAM Ahead program, which provided a Visa gift card to every school in the Amphi district to purchase supplies needed for classroom lessons.

Training

Over the summer, teachers throughout the state had the opportunity to attend training sessions in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) through 抖奶视频 contributions.

抖奶视频 funding provided scholarships for some teachers to attend the Science Teacher Symposium, four-days of professional learning and coaching offered by the . The sessions also included books and supplies that teachers could take back to their classrooms.

Hands-on activities included growing edible mushrooms and making butter from cream. Teachers learned from expert speakers about food chemistry, fungi, phenology, light polarization, isometric drawing, data literacy and game design. They also reviewed images and lessons learned from the James聽Webb Space Telescope.

In addition, 抖奶视频 supported summer training sessions through the , which provides hands-on learning for teachers to translate to school lessons.

鈥淏y investing in education, students and teachers, we鈥檙e investing in the next generation of energy leaders and in a brighter tomorrow,鈥� Wilson said. 鈥淎 solid education is the foundation for a better quality of life and a stronger future for our communities.鈥�

Both Pima Community College and the University of Arizona recently received 抖奶视频 rebates for upgrades that will reduce energy usage in the long term.

鈥湺赌淌悠� consistently supports our large customers, including Pima College and the University of Arizona, in achieving their energy efficiency goals,鈥� said Rustyn Sherer, Senior Key Account Manager. 鈥淲e work directly with our customers on expansive rebate programs to provide savings to them, while helping to reduce the overall carbon footprint in Tucson. These upgrades allow our educational institutions to thrive.鈥�

Last year, 抖奶视频 paid $265,000 in rebates to Pima College for the completion of 14 projects. Those included:

• Lighting upgrades for both interiors and exteriors at three campuses.
• The new Center of Excellence facility at the downtown campus.
• Expansion of the Aviation Tech Center located at the Tucson International Airport.

To meet academic needs into the future, the college has purchased additional property around the downtown campus where new buildings also will include energy-efficient equipment.

“抖奶视频 and their partners were extremely meticulous and supportive in exploring all opportunities to find the maximum rebate potential for Pima Community College,” said David Clark, PCC鈥檚 Superintendent of Operations.

At the University of Arizona, 抖奶视频 presented rebates for $171,400 across four projects:

• McKale Memorial Center
• Civil Engineering Building
• Henry Koffler Building
• Facilities Management

Most of the rebates covered automation system upgrades, which made the buildings more energy efficient for long-term savings. The Facilities Management building rebate covered costs for new construction.

Such rebates align with 抖奶视频鈥檚 support of local schools and businesses with the goal of helping them improve energy savings. Along with our rebates, 抖奶视频 has a long partnership with both Pima College and the UA, including program support and internships. These help promote careers and future job growth.

Read about our Pima College support and University of Arizona partnership, including our renewable energy agreement.

Learn more about rebates for commercial customers, including businesses, schools, nonprofit groups and government agencies.

抖奶视频 uses reels for storing and transporting cables and wires for stringing power lines and other projects. When 抖奶视频 employees are done unspooling the wires, the empty reels are donated or resold.

Between five and 20 reels 鈥� ranging from 58 to 108 inches in diameter 鈥� become available every week, said Sene Golembiewski, Lead Material Services Coordinator. 抖奶视频 makes them available for pickup by local schools and nonprofit groups.

Recently, The Gregory School and Satori School retrieved reels to use at their outdoor classrooms where they raise goats and other animals.

鈥淲e鈥檙e always happy to help out schools and nonprofit groups,鈥� Golembiewski said. 鈥淲e鈥檙e helping kids and animals, while diverting hundreds, if not thousands, of pounds out of the landfill.鈥�

Satori plans to use 14 donated reels for its two goats and for shaded areas for children.

About 40 reels went to the Gregory School鈥檚 farm, where teachers and students built three towers for nine goats. In addition, two geese and 45 chickens reside on the school farm.

Teacher Jeff Clashman, who takes care of the Gregory School鈥檚 goats, previously obtained reels from another source that became unavailable during the pandemic. When he mentioned this as a need, parent Jon Bialis called 抖奶视频 and received a response within a few hours. Parents and staff members arranged for a pickup.

鈥湺赌淌悠� was just fantastic,鈥� said Bialis, whose sons recently completed sixth and ninth grades at Gregory. 鈥淭he whole community rallies around to take care of the farmyard. It鈥檚 a really a cool ecosystem.鈥�

In May, students, parents and teachers spent a Friday designing and fortifying the structures. The wood remains natural, as the goats tend to chew paint off. Because the wood is exposed to heat and rain, the reels usually last about six months, providing an opportunity to change the activities for the animals.

鈥淚t鈥檚 a good healthy environment for the goats and the kids. This is a huge benefit and I totally appreciate what 抖奶视频 has done,鈥� Clashman said. 鈥淚f I bought spools, that would be thousands of dollars. Not only are we saving thousands of dollars, but it keeps our yard fresh and our animals totally happy.鈥�

The reels are part of our ongoing donation of in-kind goods 鈥� both services and items 鈥� to schools and nonprofit groups. Learn more about our donations.

Griffin, who has been participating in Bright Students since 2018, was honored for her efforts in the classroom in a ceremony at her school on Thursday.

The Bright Students program, offered through 抖奶视频, gives thousands of students each year the tools to become more sustainable and conserve energy at home. Griffin has scheduled 37 such presentations over her tenure as a teacher.

Griffin received a certificate of appreciation, along with a gift basket filled with a $100 gift card and school supplies to support her academic efforts. The basket also included energy efficiency products.

鈥淗undreds of youngsters have not only learned how to be energy efficient themselves but have been able to bring their knowledge home to their families and their community, thanks to Mrs. Griffin鈥檚 efforts,鈥� said Michelle Morley, 抖奶视频鈥檚 Program Manager for Customer Programs and Services. 鈥淲e鈥檙e grateful for her efforts to share the important ways we all have a part to play in conserving our natural resources.鈥�

Griffin, who said the recognition was a nice surprise, said she appreciates that the program encourages interactive participation from the students.

鈥湺赌淌悠� energy program presentations allow my students to have a real-world experience in their community,鈥� she said. 鈥淭hey leave with an understanding of the importance of conserving energy, and the importance of renewable and nonrenewable energy in our future.鈥�

As a teacher teaching sixth through eighth grade students, she said it鈥檚 helpful that the content is adjusted by grade level as well.

Learn more about how 抖奶视频 supports teachers or for information on classroom resources.

In the fall, eight educators came to 抖奶视频 for a three-day 鈥渆xternship鈥� that included a tour of our facilities and an introduction to our educational outreach programs. We also provided them with energy-related activities for students ranging from elementary through high school.

Externships and other programs are part of 抖奶视频鈥檚 focus on education, as well as career development and training in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM). They also help us make local students aware of our craft and trade apprenticeships and other positions that don鈥檛 require college paths.

鈥淭he externship is an excellent way to share our career opportunities with educators, who in turn will share the information with their students,鈥� said Joanne Kingman, Transmission & Distribution Training Supervisor, whose team hosted the externship. 鈥淥ur goal is to create a diverse talent pipeline for the skilled trades and to conduct early outreach within the local community.鈥�

For this externship, 抖奶视频 partnered with the to compensate the teachers for their time. Representatives also attended from Goodwill of Southern Arizona鈥檚 training programs for young adults. The next externships will be hosted during school breaks in the spring, summer and fall.

David Ramirez, the Automotive Technology teacher at Sunnyside High School, said his program teaches students about electrical circuits, which is helpful for roles at 聽抖奶视频 and other local employers.

鈥淚 want to provide students with more options in the industry,鈥� Ramirez said. 鈥淚 know 抖奶视频 is a good company to work for and they really do a lot for the community. Anything you can do to help a student get to the next level and get a good career 鈥� that鈥檚 what it is all about.鈥�

Gary Crist, a Welding and Agriscience teacher at Amphitheater High School, made a slideshow for his welding students to show them what he learned.

鈥淭hey loved watching it and they had a ton of questions. It was an outstanding experience,鈥� Crist said. 鈥淜ids need opportunities to get into a good career with a very good starting salary. College is great 鈥� I went to college. But it鈥檚 not for everybody.鈥�

Other 抖奶视频 outreach initiatives include Teachers in Industry, which provides a few local teachers with summer jobs at 抖奶视频, as well as interactive displays at the Southern Arizona Construction Career Days and outreach with Pima Community College.

Kingman said she appreciates that 抖奶视频 tries to educate the community about career opportunities, which include on-the-job training, because those seeds need to be planted early.

That鈥檚 happening in Carrie Moline鈥檚 classroom at Warren Elementary.

鈥淚 cannot quit raving about the cohesiveness of everyone there, how clean the facility is, and for opening my eyes to the trades versus college,鈥� Moline said after the event. 鈥淚 no longer just talk about going to college with my fifth graders. I talk about how trades are just as important and how 抖奶视频 could be an option for them when they enter the job force.鈥�

Learn more about 抖奶视频鈥檚 careers, including crafts and trade positions. Read a about skilled trades and technical careers and about the experience.

In late September, 抖奶视频 employees joined preschoolers and teachers in digging and placing trees in an undeveloped area at Emily Meschter Early Learning Center. With assistance from Civano Growers, 抖奶视频 donated two desert willows and three oak trees.

鈥淲e鈥檙e excited for the chance to have an outdoor education and discovery area. These trees will grow into mature shade trees so our students can learn in nature,鈥� said Sue Shinn, Director of Early Learning for . 鈥淲e鈥檙e grateful to 抖奶视频 for the partnership.鈥�

Educators imagine the area will become a natural classroom with shade patios, a mural, a climbing wall, and play structures made from recycled tires, pallets and other items. They anticipate that children will learn outside one day each week in the area when it鈥檚 complete.

Jessica Jankowski-Gallo, Early Learning General Education Teacher, knows how important it is to build connections between the community and educators. With 抖奶视频 leading the way in community building, she reached out to see if she could get support with the trees.

During the planting morning, about 10 children, ages 3-5, crouched in a group and used small shovels and buckets to dig holes for the new trees. One girl said she felt like an explorer from 鈥淛urassic World.鈥�

Having children help with the planting gave 抖奶视频 employees the chance to teach them about the importance of planting shade trees and energy efficiency.

鈥淲ho wants to be a special volunteer to fill the dirt over here?鈥� said Alyssa Moore, Program Coordinator in 抖奶视频 Residential Energy Efficiency Programs and Services. 鈥淲e鈥檙e going to build a wall, like a castle,鈥� she said, showing them how to create a berm.

About 150 children attend the learning center, including a number of special needs students. Early education teachers are looking forward to making use of the space to complement their curriculum, which promotes early literacy and awareness of science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) concepts. 鈥淭he trees are going to make great talking points for sustainability and how to care for our environment around us, too,鈥� Jankowski-Gallo said.

Jankowski-Gallo also teaches the children about the solar panels behind the school that provide power for classrooms at the center and nearby schools.

鈥淎 high-quality environment makes a big difference. We are going to be able to make connections to how we physically move, how our brains make connections, how to socialize, deal with our feelings, and use new vocabulary,鈥� Jankowski-Gallo said. 鈥淭his is all going to all be done comfortably in our own environment, thanks to the shade.鈥�

The donation is part of 抖奶视频鈥檚 Trees for You program, which allows 抖奶视频 customers to buy $5 trees to shade their homes and support energy efficiency.