MacArthur leads TPS' energy-saving initiative

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.

Accomack County schools win award for energy-efficiency

ACCOMAC -- Staff at Accomack County Public Schools is achieving big savings with energy-efficient behavior -- and now those good habits are earning national recognition. Accomack County Public Schools has achieved a 29 percent cost savings totaling $1,227,560 in 34 months since forming a strategic alliance with Energy Education Inc., a national energy conservation company, which presented the district with its Environmental Excellence Award. 

Gainesville, Ga. schools cut utility bill

GAINESVILLE, Ga. (AP) — Officials in Gainesville say an energy-savings program is improving the financial picture for the city's schools. David Shumake, assistant superintendent of instruction, says that in the last 22 months, the Gainesville school system has saved more than $800,000 on its utility bills. Shumake says the money goes back into the district's general fund.

In 2008, the district began a campaign to cut energy costs and signed a four-year contract with Energy Education Inc., a company that generally works with schools and churches to build a customized conservation program. 

Shumake predicts significant savings are ahead for Gainesville schools. He says that if the energy-savings program continues, the district projects to save about $5 million in utilities in the next 10 years.

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District saves big on its energy bill

From his desk at the Duchesne County School District office, Lane Warenski can control the temperature of classrooms, gyms, and auditoriums miles away. Warenski, the district's energy specialist, monitors Duchesne County schools on a daily basis to ensure temperature guidelines are being followed. In the winter, rooms are set at no warmer than 72 degrees. Air conditioning is used only sporadically in the spring and fall, and coolers are set at 74 degrees to 76 degrees. “We keep the scheduling as tight as it possibly can be,” Warenski said. “We turn the heater on just in time to make sure the rooms are warm when the kids get there and turn it off as soon as we can. The more I learn about all of our buildings, the more I can tune in to ways to save money.” Warenski’s vigilant monitoring of room temperatures is at the heart of the school district’s energy program. In April 2007, district officials decided to begin paying a stipend to an energy specialist and sign a contract with a Texas-based consulting firm called Energy Education Inc.

Onalaska schools' energy savings top $1M

ONALASKA - Focusing on energy conservation has saved the Onalaska School District $1 million in four years, officials said Tuesday. A 2005 community survey that identified energy efficiency as a priority led to the district-wide effort to reduce gas, electricity and water consumption, Superintendent John Burnett said. "Part of it is being good stewards with tax dollars and spending that money on classes rather than watching it go up the smokestack," Burnett said. "I think people appreciate that." The school district partnered with Texas-based Energy Education Inc. for training, software and consultation in October 2006, said Doug Hauser, district energy manager.

Plain schools earn environmental award

PLAIN TWP. - One of the largest districts in the county, Plain Local Schools, saves a lot of energy during a year. How much?
Well, it’s the equivalent of planting more than 65,896 pine trees, according to Energy Education Inc., a national organization whose energy conservation programs have helped save more than $2 billion for educational and ministerial organizations since 1986.


Energy savings big in Sumter County Schools

Mulkey McMichael, Director of Public Information, and Energy Education Manager
 for Sumter County Schools
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When the Energy Education program was school board-adopted in December 2008, a mission and four-point goal plan was requested. Number one on the plan was to save jobs. Saving money was number two; saving existing and successful educational programs in our schools was number three and number four was hopeful adoption of energy conservation by citizens of Sumter County.

Some NJ schools lower energy costs ahead of winter

MANCHESTER, N.J. — Sometimes you have to spend money to save money. That is what seven school districts in Monmouth and Ocean counties have discovered in their efforts to "go green." The seven Holmdel and Millstone in Monmouth County and Barnegat, Central Regional, Manchester, Southern Regional and Stafford in Ocean County are among 20 school districts in New Jersey that are paying Texas-based Energy Education Inc. anywhere from $6,000 to $15,000-plus per month to achieve energy savings double, triple and quadruple what they are paying the company.

Energy Education ProgramSaves District More Than $400,000 in 14 Months

One of our district goals is to be more efficient with energy use to help the environment and save money. In June 2009, the Board approved a partnership with a national company called Energy Education to work on an energy conservation and management plan. Bridget Kellam, energy education specialist, oversees the plan’s implementation. Kellam updated the Board, reporting that the energy education program has saved the district $495,447 from June 2009 - September 2010. Kellam noted that the district has saved 4.3 million kWh of electricity and 6,012 million BTUs of natural gas. These savings equate to removing 749 automobiles from the highways for an entire year, or planting and growing 106,713 tree seedlings for 10 years.


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