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.
Morning Times
Athens Area School District: Energy conservation program results in huge savings
Apr 16, 2008
By Warren Howeler
The Athens Area School District’s energy conservation program has resulted in huge financial and consumption savings, according to School Superintendent Doug Ulkins. Ulkins announced Wednesday that the program — which began 21 months ago — has resulted in a 31 percent reduction in the district’s overall energy consumption. Specifically, the district’s electricity consumption has declined by 3,254,877-kilowatt hours and its natural gas use is down 102,390 CCF, said Ulkins. “We are achieving real and significant energy conservation at the district,” said Ulkins. “According to the EPA, our decrease in energy use from electricity alone is the equivalent of taking 474 hours off our local roads or planting 982 trees in our community. That’s a positive impact on our local environment.” The district’s conservation program has also led to a 300,308 gallon decrease in water use through the implementation of better water consumption habits, said Ulkins. The district has been implementing a rigorous energy savings program with the help of Energy Education Inc., which specializes in people-driven energy conservation for school districts, universities, colleges and large churches, Ulkins explained. “The program, which guarantees savings and requires no new district money to implement, works to enhance classtime comfort and educational goals of the district,” he said. Ulkins noted that he is also pleased with the financial success of the conservation program. “While being better stewards of our environment, we are also savings significant taxpayer resources,” he said. “Since our conservation program began, our district has saved over $490,000. When Energy Education approached our district, they guaranteed their program would not cost more than the savings we realized. Their guarantee has proven completely correct.” This partnership between the Athens Area School District and Energy Education Inc. was approved through a vote by the district’s board of education. Approving this partnership was the right decision by the board, said Board President Ed Gorman. “As Earth Day 2008 approaches, we have some real conservation momentum and our staff and students are a big part of the effort,” he said. “And there is more conservation to pursue. We have an opportunity to realize significant environmental and financial savings for decades to come through our energy conservation program.”