When Tulsa Public Schools launched an energy efficiency initiative in January, MacArthur Elementary School Principal Howard Wyble thought 20 percent was the absolute most that his school could slash from its utility bill. But a newly released report on the first 10 months of the program shows that MacArthur led the district in savings - slashing its costs by more than 50 percent. "I can't believe we've saved that much. It's really amazing," Wyble said, adding with a laugh, "I just wish we could keep some of that savings here!" The green movement that is sweeping America combined with hard economic times for public schools led TPS to partner with Energy Education Inc. of Waco, Texas, in an effort to cut energy use and related costs.
The effort has netted more than $1.4 million, or 17 percent, in savings over anticipated electricity, gas, sewer and water costs. Bob LaBass, the district's executive director of bond projects and energy management, said, "It requires the teamwork of everybody - maintenance, schools, energy educators - but the timing couldn't be better because that savings goes right back into the general fund." Three full-time district employees help schools become more energy efficient by identifying ways they can reduce their use of lights, exhaust fans and heating and air conditioning.
Energy Education Inc.'s consultants, including mechanical engineers and moisture specialists, help the TPS employees identify problems, such as water leaks and other repair needs. LaBass said he expected even greater savings during 2011, the second year of the program, because the initial employee training that was required this year meant that the program didn't go into full effect until April. The report shows that MacArthur and Cooper elementary schools have posted the greatest savings to date, slashing their anticipated energy costs since January by more than 50 percent to just $34,755 and $42,445, respectively.
At MacArthur, simply keeping the lights off in rooms when they are unoccupied made the biggest difference, Wyble said. "Before, the custodian would come in in the morning and turn all of the lights on in the gym, halls and cafeteria, and they were on all day, not even thinking about energy. We don't do that anymore," he said. Now, the gym is lighted with only three rows of lights, along with daylight through its windows. And the cafeteria stays dark except during lunchtime.
"Heat and air has made a big difference, too," Wyble said. "We have a central system that turns it off at 3:30 p.m. each day. "We can go in and turn it back on in individual classes if there is tutoring or adult education classes going on, or if a teacher is working a few extra hours in her classroom after school."
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