Nearly every day, a newspaper somewhere in the country is carrying a story about the success of our clients’ energy conservation programs. Below are just a few examples of the great work they are doing, and the privilege it is to serve them in such tangible, noteworthy ways.
Who knew saving energy could save so much?
Within the past nine months the Forest Hills Public School District has avoided nearly half a million dollars in energy costs by using energy saving tips, said Tom Walters, the District's Director of Energy Management.
Walters said that since July the district has used 25 percent less electricity. It has used 14 percent less natural gas and 18 percent less water and sewage. The district has avoided 21 percent of its total energy cost, reaching a cost avoidance of $470,000. Walters said that the savings in natural gas alone is equivalent to removing 464 vehicles off the road and planting 961 acres of trees.
"I truly believe that the program works," Walters said. "The key to it is the reduced consumption."
"All these little efforts add up to half a million dollars in savings," said Superintendent Dan Behm.
Within the last nine months the unit cost for electricity increased 20 percent. The unit cost for natural gas decreased seven percent and increased 10 percent for water and sewage.
President of the Board of Education Doug VanderLaan said that the energy education program will keep the District from making financial cuts in the classroom.
Since July 2001 the Forest Hills Public School District has brainstormed ways to address the rising cost of energy use in the school system.