School saves thousands on energy costs

Major changes have been made in the Watervliet City School district. According to the school’s website they have become more green as well as having been saving in heating and energy costs. Due to a partnership with Energy Education Inc and BOCES Energy Consortium an energy management and conservation program was implemented in the spring of 2010. Since the start of the program Watervliet City School has recorded over $15,000 savings on energy costs.

The Superintendent of Schools Dr. Paul Padalino stated that he was particularly pleased with the results of the partnership with Energy Education Inc. because the program has only been partially implemented. Current renovations and construction at the WJHS will further progress and ultimately lead to highly increased saving upon its finish.

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Schools illustrate how energy savings translate into significant cash savings

Adopting energy-saving tips and converting to “green” philosophies in a workplace sounds fairly easy in many cases. You get recycling bins for employees, you encourage workers to keep the thermostat lower, you keep computers and lights off during non-working hours. But what if that workplace is a significant operation with hundreds of employees and several buildings – like a school district?

School districts, college campuses and large church parishes are good examples of organizations seeking help from Energy Star companies with expertise that goes far beyond just handing out recycling bins. Companies such as Energy Education Inc. are proving to be key components of school district initiatives to cut energy costs. They are proving that significant money can be slashed from already-strapped school district budgets by undertaking a major effort to reduce consumption of electricity, gas, fuel oil and water.

A Three-Pronged Approach to Energy Management: A Conversation with York County District Officials

As we all know, the current economic climate is challenging. And schools and their districts are among those struggling. Funding is being cut as demands on schools are increasing. So of course, districts are looking to save money anywhere they can.

One potential starting place: cutting energy costs. And one potential model for doing so: Virginia's York County School Division.

Over the past 12 years, York County has developed a comprehensive, three-pronged strategy to managing energy. It includes not only high-reward (but high-cost) activities such as building, renovating and replacing using energy-efficient equipment, but focus on controlling systems and energy education. Since the middle of 2004, this strategy has saved the district over two million dollars. It has had positive environmental impacts as well--the energy savings are equivalent to removing 2,115 cars from the road. The district has been recognized for the program by everyone from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to the Association of School Business Officials International (ASBO International). And imitation is the sincerest form of flattery--the district knows of several schools built using the same technology as in York after visits to their schools. We recently talked to Doug Meade, the district's Director of Information Technology, and Mark Tschirhart, Associate Director for Capital Plans and Projects, to learn more about the program.