BELOIT, Wis. -- A two-year project to cut down on energy usage in the Beloit School District is complete, and officials said the project will save the district a lot of money.

Schools partnered with Johnson Controls to become more energy efficient, and the district said the benefits are expected to go beyond the budget.

Beloit school officials said they're hoping cutting energy usage brings costs down and grades up.

"We're going green not only to set the example, but we are working to save dollars," said Jeff Hanke, buildings and grounds manager for the Beloit School District.

In the hallways at Aldrich Middle School, Principal Walter James said it's easy to see the difference.

"The place is shining," said James.

New, energy efficient lighting is actually brighter than previous systems.

"You can notice the change in (students') demeanor and their attitudes and their feelings about being in the building. The building is no longer a not-so-bright place to be," said James.

Other improvements at school facilities in Beloit are less visible.

"You turn the light switch on, the lights are there. Plumbing things, people flush the toilet, they don't know it's a different kind of valve. The heating/ventilating things, people just don't get to the mechanical rooms, the boiler rooms. They don't see those kinds of things," said Hanke.

The comprehensive energy project includes sophisticated controls and sensors for airflow and lighting, solar-powered water heaters and more efficient boilers.

"We do a measurement and verification process with Johnson Controls, and we were seeing savings already before we even signed off and the contract was finalized," said Hanke.

The district is expecting energy costs to drop $114,000 a year.

Even more important, officials said lights and airflow are creating a better learning environment for students.

"For the kids to be getting fresh air regularly and for it to be circulating well, it keeps them more alert, and also for our staff in staff meetings, too," said James.

The project isn't cheap, but there is no burden on taxpayers, WISC-TV reported.

The $1.7 million initiative is covered with a zero-interest federal bond and more than $33,000 in Focus on Energy rebates.

The district said the project will have paid for itself in less than 15 years.