News/Press

White Lake Beacon
January 25, 2010

R-P Buildings Earn ENERGY STAR Award
Hits $1,000,000 Savings

Five of Reeths-Puffer School’s buildings have earned the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s prestigious Energy Star Award, the national symbol for superior energy efficiency and environmental protection.

The award signifies that the building’s energy performance rates in the top 25 percent of buildings nationwide. The Reeths-Puffer buildings receiving the award are; Reeths-Puffer High School, Reeths-Puffer Middle School, Reeths-Puffer Intermediate, McMillan Elementary and the Educational Services Building.

“Reeths-Puffer is pleased to accept the EPA’s Energy Star Award in recognition of our energy efficiency efforts,” said R-P Superintendent, Steve Cousins. “Through this achievement, we have demonstrated our commitment to environmental stewardship while also lowering our energy costs.”

Buildings that earn the Energy Star Award use an average of 35 percent less energy than typical buildings and also release 35 percent less carbon dioxide into the atmosphere.

Reeths-Puffer improved its energy performance by managing energy strategically across the entire organization and by making cost-effective improvements to its buildings.

“Improving the energy efficiency of our nation’s buildings is critical to preserving our environment and our natural resources,” said Jean Lupinacci, chief of EPA’s Energy Star Awards program. “From office buildings to hotels, supermarkets to schools, the Energy Star Award distinguishes those organizations who are taking environmental responsibility into their own hands.”

Along with this achievement, Reeths-Puffer Schools have reached another milestone in their efforts to reduce energy usage and costs.

Four years ago, the district entered into an agreement with the energy management firm Energy Education Inc. Working with this company, and through efforts of the entire Reeths-Puffer staff, the district has now saved $1 million in energy costs. Even though the significance of this achievement is appreciated, administration realizes its work is not done. The district will continually strive to lower energy usage to minimize their carbon footprint and to keep reducing energy costs during these difficult financial times.