Ameresco Completes $7.8M HVAC Upgrade for Tacoma Public Schools
Event summary
- Ameresco completed a $7.8M Progressive Design-Build project for Tacoma Public Schools, upgrading the HVAC system at McKinley Swing School.
- The project, completed on December 31, 2025, replaced an aged boiler system with a modern HVAC system while preserving the school's historic character.
- The project included a 30% engagement of local contractors and participation by small and minority/women-owned business enterprises (MWBE).
- Ameresco used a Progressive Design-Build model, allowing for collaborative scope and cost definition during an initial development phase.
The big picture
Ameresco's completion of this project underscores the growing demand for energy efficiency upgrades in public sector facilities. The use of the Progressive Design-Build model highlights a shift towards more collaborative and flexible approaches in infrastructure projects. This project also aligns with broader trends in sustainability and decarbonization efforts in the education sector.
What we're watching
- Project Pipeline
- Whether Ameresco can leverage this project to secure additional contracts with Tacoma Public Schools or other educational institutions.
- Model Effectiveness
- The pace at which Progressive Design-Build models gain traction in the energy infrastructure sector.
- Regulatory Compliance
- How Ameresco navigates the balance between energy efficiency upgrades and historic preservation guidelines in future projects.