Center Grove Schools: Net Zero at Scale—Performance Contracting Reimagined

Project Snapshot
  • Client: Center Grove Community Schools (K-12)
  • Project Name: Performance Contracting + Net Zero Renovations
  • Location: Greenwood, IN
  • Completion: 2025
  • Total Solar Capacity: 3.7 MW
  • Projected Savings: $22M over 20 years
  • Highlights: Indiana’s first two Net Zero schools, $85/SF geothermal retrofit, 13 BAS recommissionings, 6 solar sites

Built

Different

When Center Grove Community Schools first envisioned adding a small solar array to a single building, they never imagined it would lead to the first two Net Zero schools in Indiana. But after discovering CMTA’s unique approach to energy transformation, their ambitions expanded—and so did the results.

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Our Success

Helped Center Grove Schools go from a single solar idea to delivering Indiana’s first two Net Zero schools—using performance contracting to fund 3.7 MW of solar, geothermal upgrades, and $22M in projected savings. A scalable, budget-neutral model for clean energy in K–12.

Built Different

“A single solar idea sparked a district-wide revolution.”

From one site to district-wide strategy

What began as a solar concept for a single transportation center quickly evolved into a comprehensive energy overhaul.

Audit as catalyst

CMTA’s no-cost audit uncovered untapped potential across lighting, HVAC, controls, envelope, and utility rates.

Geothermal leadership

Maple Grove Elementary’s upcoming geothermal HVAC system will cut nearly 1 million kWh and save $144,555 annually.

Smart financing

Guaranteed energy savings funded renewable generation and electrification—without new taxes.

Fixing the past

CMTA restored a previously underperforming solar array, bringing its capacity back to 100%.

Built Better

“Designing for zero. Delivering more.”

Broad solar deployment

2.4 MW of rooftop PV across five schools plus a 1.3 MW ground array shared by two facilities.

Best-in-class cost efficiency

Maple Grove’s Net Zero renovation delivered at $85/SF—or $54/SF with incentives.

Controls optimization at scale

13 sites received recommissioned Building Automation Systems, improving efficiency and occupant comfort.

Unified systems integration

Older controls merged into a single Trane BAS, enhancing visibility and response.

Long-term savings

$22M in projected savings over two decades.

Incentives secured

$970K already awarded; $3.5M expected by 2026.

Built for What's Next

“Leading the state. Inspiring the nation.”

State leadership in Net Zero

Indiana’s first two Net Zero schools, achieved through innovative performance contracting.

Repeatable and modular

Solar and geothermal systems are designed for replication across the district.

Budget-neutral roadmap

Performance contracting funds future upgrades while reducing emissions.

Aligned with core mission

Operational savings support educational outcomes, technology, and staffing.

National relevance

A replicable blueprint for sustainable school districts across the U.S.

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