Schools turn off lights, save $330,000
Heather Edwards
staff writer
Turn off the lights. Shut down the computers when they're not in use. Save $330,000.
That's what the kids in School District 197 have done over the past three years. As a member of the "Schools for Energy Efficiency" (SEE) program, the West St. Paul-Mendota Heights-Eagan district has saved $330,000 in energy costs. This past spring, the district saved $34,000 in a single quarter, of which $10,000 came just from Heritage Elementary.
"It's just avoiding costs," explained 197 employee Amelia Olson.
The costs of lighting, heating and cooling schools are so vast in school districts that the cost of energy is second only to staff salaries, and exceeds the cost of supplies and books. By using techniques and strategies similar to the SEE Program, schools across the country have realized substantial savings.
In recent years, schools throughout Minnesota have implemented the SEE Program. Focusing on low and no-cost energy efficient strategies, the districts enrolled in this program strive to reduce their energy use by 10 percent and achieve "Energy Star" status. The "Energy Star" award program is sponsored by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Energy. District 197 received "Energy Star" status in 2004; it was the first to receive this award in Minnesota and the 10th in the nation.
Not only has the school district achieved a 10 percent decrease in energy use, it surpassed that this spring, when it cut its energy use by 16 percent. The district's changes haven't been dramatic, despite the significant decrease in energy use. Administrators and staff developed a district energy plan, encouraged energy-smart behaviors through an awareness campaign, and deployed simple, low and no-cost strategies, such as remembering to turn off classroom lights and computers when they are not in use.
"Kids get into it, and they remind the teachers," Olson explained. "And it's better hearing reminders when they are coming from the kids."
In addition, the elementary schools have established "SEE Squads," a group of students who check to make sure that energy isn't being wasted. The "Squad" members are armed with Post-It notes to remind teachers and students in the event of an infraction.
Even the district's custodial workers have gotten into the act by turning on lights only in the areas in which they are cleaning, and being more aware of "peak" hours.
"This school year, we will maintain and build upon the energy savings seen thus far," said Olson, who added that the district's schools will be visited in January by The Energy Hog ("a guy," she added, "who is dressed like a big pig.").
The schools' thermostats will be set at 68 degrees this winter.
"If (students and staff) get cold," Olson suggested, "they can put on a sweater."
|
