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.
Energy audits pay off big for schools
BY JOE CALLAHAN Star-Banner
OCALA — An energy management department created two years ago by the Marion County School Board is paying off in a big way, saving county coffers $2.5 million since December 2005.
On Tuesday, the two-man energy management team, consisting of James Newkirk and Colin Barrett, presented the latest update to School Board members.
The two men conduct 40 site energy audits per week, which includes either an early morning, night or weekend visit. During holiday periods, the men also check schools to ensure they are in compliance.
They look for electronics being left on and check thermostats, which are just a few of the energy-saving measures they inspect each visit.
They also look at water consumption and ways to save on that bill as well. Water usage throughout the School District is down by 19 percent this year, when compared to the same period in 2006.
The result is that energy management is more than paying for itself.
This year's monthly cost for the department, including benefits, is roughly $10,000, while the savings has averaged about $79,000 per month. From January to August, the School District has saved $630,000 when compared to the same period in 2006.
"It all starts with communication," Newkirk, an energy education specialist, said before Tuesday night's meeting. "It's all about managing resources and making sure we are using our facilities judiciously."
During Christmas break, as well as spring and summer vacations, schools are required to unplug all appliances, including refrigerators.
Just before summer break in May, Barrett and Newkirk traveled to every School District facility, including all 47 schools, to ensure items had been turned off.
The top energy saving schools during the period of May through August, when compared to the same period in 2006, were Ward-Highlands Elementary, 50 percent; Stanton-Weirsdale, 41 percent; Forest High, 39 percent; Sparr Elementary, 37 percent; and Hammett Bowen Jr. Elementary, 37 percent.
Also at Tuesday's meeting, Progress Energy issued a rebate check for $8,400 to the School District for energy efficiency upgrades at Belleview High School, which is expected to see a noticeable decline in energy bills.
"They [energy management team] have really taken this to heart," School Board Chairman Ron Crawford said. "And their work has been translated into real dollars." Energy conscious The top energy saving schools during the period of May through August, when compared to the same period in 2006:
SOURCE: Marion County Public Schools