Beech Tree News Network

Morgantown, KY – Butler County Schools facilities are undergoing HVAC upgrades at several schools as an effective way in protecting students and staff from COVID-19. Currently, bipolar ionization units are being installed at all schools and the central office. 

Bi-polar ionization technology creates ions in the air that cause particles like molds, bacteria, and viruses to become deactivated and pulled out of the air. This creates cleaner air for the classroom environment and allows the new HVAC units to optimize outside air. ASHRAE requires a percentage of air in the building to be outside air. By being able to clean the air with bi-polar ionization technology, the amount of raw outside air intake is optimized, reducing the strain on HVAC equipment and saving energy. 

Butler County Schools officials made the decision to install this technology after an air quality evaluation by the district’s energy partner, Harshaw Trane. The district has partnered with Harshaw Trane, based in Louisville, on multiple guaranteed energy savings projects saving over $950,000 since 2010.

“For years, Butler County Schools has focused on energy savings and creating an optimal learning environment for students,” said Jimmy Arnold, Education Technology Specialist with Harshaw Trane. “I am proud to continue my work with the district and help increase student and staff safety by improving indoor air quality.”

Butler County Schools Superintendent Robert Tuck said he appreciates the board members for not batting an eye when it comes to safety and understanding apprehension in and around the community. The school board and officials hope that these updates will help in easing some of that anxiety by showing that officials are willing to go that extra step in protecting members of the community. 

“Safety is our number one priority. Bi-polar ionization provides another layer of protection for our students, staff, and anyone else that might come into our facilities,” said Tuck. “This allows us to take that extra step to provide the best learning experience for our students and staff while maintaining a safe and comfortable environment for all visiting our buildings.”

About Harshaw Trane

Harshaw Trane (www.harshawtrane.com) creates and sustains high performing, efficient and secure facility environments.  An intelligent building technology and energy services provider, the company employs 280 highly trained associates including Certified Energy Managers and LEED® Accredited Professionals, is an ENERGY STAR Product and Services Provider and is a founding member of the Kentucky Chapter of the U.S. Green Building Council. Harshaw Trane is headquartered in Louisville and has offices in Lexington and Bowling Green, Kentucky, and Evansville, Indiana.