MANSFIELD — Jerome O’Neal is confident that Mansfield Memorial Homes can reinvest around $60,000 per year in expansion and upgrades on the Blymyer Avenue campus.
The nonprofit was approved for a $1.35 million grant for energy upgrades including solar panels, LED lighting fixtures and heating and cooling controls. The combined projects are expected to save up to $60,000 annually in energy and operation costs, not including tax incentives.
“We’re certainly going to reinvest the energy savings into this campus,” O’Neal said.
“Mansfield Memorial was ahead of its time in its founding. I’m very excited to invest in solar energy and energy upgrades to reduce our carbon emissions and tell future generations here that we took this step to insure our sustainability.”
Mansfield Memorial Homes will install between 550 and 600 solar panels on the roofs of their four buildings. Trane, a technology and energy solutions company, is the project partner.
Mansfield Memorial Homes leadership discussed the installation plan and expected savings with Trane partners and State Rep. Marilyn John (R-Richland County) in late July. Ohio Department of Development director Lydia Mihalik also attended the roundtable.
The grant, provided by the Advanced Energy Fund from the Department of Development, completely covers the cost of the project.
“The fact that you are able to utilize this technology, put it on the roof and you’re still getting — even under clouds — that much energy generated is amazing,” Mihalik said. “Thanks for thinking about what you can do to be better, and we’re happy to be a partner in this.”
Mansfield Memorial Homes must show at least a 15% reduction in utility energy usage as a condition of the grant. The project is expected to show a reduction of 25 percent in energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions annually.
Solar, HVAC upgrades expected to generate $60,000 in annual savings
Sydney McCurdy, a Trane account manager, said the firm studied optimal energy efficiency for where to place solar panels.
“They will be angled to gather the most sunlight and send unused energy back to the grid,” she said. “We will also be scheduling adjustments with the HVAC system so we don’t overcool or overheat any spaces. We’re maintaining comfort as well as energy efficiency.
“HVAC smart strategies will have a big impact. That can be 40 to 60% of your energy bill.”
Trane plans to complete the project this year. McCurdy said solar panels usually last about 30 years with minimal maintenance and cleaning.
Martin Tremmel, CEO of Mansfield Memorial Homes, said he looks forward to the investments and upgrades the nonprofit can make with the $1.35 million grant.
“We have had a number of HVAC upgrades as the budget allows recently,” he said. “But we’re talking a million dollars here, so we’ve never been able to do anything like this.
“We’ve got a beautiful campus, but a large footprint and about 136 units between our different services — so you can imagine our electricity bill.”
Mansfield Memorial Homes consists of Conard House Assisted Living, the Mansfield Memorial Homes’ Apartments, the Robert Sturges Memorial Home Apartments and the Mansfield Memorial Homes Nursing Center. It also offers therapy services to residents.
O’Neal said Mansfield Memorial Homes plans to reinvest the energy savings into private spaces and future upgrades for residents.
“I would love to add more private rooms, that was something we learned was needed in a post-COVID world,” he said. “I think it’s critical to add more private spaces, more private rooms and make sure they’re updated and residents have access to their own space.”
“We hope this will be a catalyst to continue to expand in Mansfield, grow the campus and grow the neighborhood.”
