Ignacio School District 11-JT

Ignacio School District 11-JT partnered with CMTA to address ongoing HVAC performance and maintenance challenges across Ignacio Elementary School, Ignacio Middle School, and Ignacio High School. The three schools rely on distributed water-source heat pump systems, with the elementary school also incorporating a geothermal wellfield. Recurring equipment failures and excessive wear prompted a closer evaluation of the district’s systems.

Through this assessment, CMTA identified key issues, including HVAC controls deficiencies, potential water-flow concerns, and oversized equipment. To optimize system functionality and mitigate unnecessary wear, CMTA retro-commissioned HVAC controls at all three schools, drained and chemically flushed the hydronic loops, and cleaned equipment strainers to remove debris or blockages that could hinder system flow. Additionally, at Ignacio Elementary School, the team corrected improperly configured boiler piping to improve system performance, energy efficiency, and equipment life expectancy.

The project also expands the district’s renewable energy infrastructure. At Ignacio Elementary School, CMTA replaced an aging rooftop solar array with a new 61.8 kW photovoltaic system capable of generating more than 80,000 kWh annually. Ignacio Middle School also received a new 355.2 kW rooftop PV system, designed to produce over 460,000 kWh annually—enough to offset more than 90% of the building’s annual energy consumption. The new systems will use high-efficiency solar panels, microinverters, and metering technology, enabling real-time monitoring of building energy use and solar production for seamless integration.

The benefits of these improvements extend beyond building performance and energy savings. By reducing operating costs and generating on-site renewable energy, the project is expected to achieve a simple payback of less than 12 years—before accounting for available energy tax incentives. These savings free up operational dollars that can be redirected toward the district's educational priorities without requiring additional taxpayer funding. In partnership with the Southern Ute Indian Tribal Council and the Southern Ute Education Department, Ignacio is also positioned to pursue federal energy tax credits anticipated to return approximately $480,000 to the district, further reducing the project's capital burden and strengthening its long-term value.

Together, Ignacio School District 11-JT and CMTA are improving building performance across the district. By resolving recurring HVAC challenges and expanding renewable energy infrastructure, this design-build partnership extends building equipment life while ensuring more reliable, efficient operations for the long-term.