Thorp School District, WA

In 2022, the Millig team won a competitive contract to improve environmental quality and energy efficiency for the oldest continuously operating school system in Kittitas County, Washington.

The Thorp School District campus consists of two buildings from three eras. The original brick building was constructed in 1935; a second building was constructed in 1956 with a major addition in 1991.

At the time of engagement, Thorp School District’s original brick school building provided heat to occupants through a steam system with no air conditioning or ventilation capabilities. Not only was this system inefficient and prone to failure, but it also couldn’t cool classrooms, and the radiators posed a burn risk to the children.

The 1956 building was heated by a Variable Air Volume system and lacked the necessary compressor system to cool the building. In addition, parts of its roof were at the end of useful life. 

To alleviate concerns at the original brick school building, the Millig team designed and installed high-efficiency heat pumps for heating and cooling and added much-needed ventilation with a fresh air system with energy recovery. The newer building’s VAV system was retrofitted with a DX condensing unit to provide cooling.

The team also upgraded the district’s electrical infrastructure, replaced leaky roofs, tightened building envelopes, added a secondary window system, and installed destratification fans in the gymnasium to help regulate temperature and ensure thermal comfort for all event attendees.

As part of the contract, Millig also helped the district modernize its kitchen equipment in preparation for a new FFA-led gardening curriculum.