Energy conservation program saves thousands

Nov. 19, 2008–Despite rising fuel costs and an economic downturn, the Voorheesville Central School District is saving money on its monthly energy bills.

In 2005, the district contracted with Energy Education, Inc. (EEI) a nationally recognized firm to implement a comprehensive energy conservation program.

The partnership has resulted in $248,367 worth of cost avoidance in the past 37 months—reducing overall consumption districtwide by 16 percent. The cost avoidance is the difference between what would have been spent if the district had not implemented an energy savings program and what it actually spent. By the end of the four-year contract, EEI estimates the district will save about $330,000.

“Everyone is tightening their belts during this difficult economic situation, and it is no different for school districts,” said Interim Superintendent Raymond Colucciello. “This is an example of just one way we are working together to achieve considerable savings for our taxpayers.”

The cost of the program is paid from the savings on utilities. EEI guarantees that the district will save more than it spends, if not the company will write the district a check to cover the difference.

“On the surface, it seems that all we do is ask school personnel to turn off their lights, computers and other electrical equipment when possible, but this is just a small part of what we’re doing,” said the district’s Energy Educator Andrew Huth, who trains staff on conservation techniques and monitors the program’s success.

The program examines every piece of equipment that plugs into the wall, every system that burns natural gas or fuel oil and every item that consumes water.

Additionally, the program relies heavily on staff participation. Everyone in the district has a role in reducing costs by adapting to energy-friendly habits that don’t sacrifice personal comfort. For example, staff may decide to use natural light on sunny days instead of lights or close their doors to keep heat inside classrooms. This is important because the heating system only works at maximum efficiency when doors are closed.

“The success of this program is the result of a team effort from everyone involved, including students, parents, teachers and staff,” said Colucciello.

Other energy conservation efforts include:

• Keeping all doors to the hallways closed, including gym doors, outside doors and the Performing Arts Center doors

• Turning lights off in unused rooms, wings and gyms

• Using half banked lights in the hallways and classrooms when possible

• Moving desks away from windows to avoid drafts

• Reducing the timing for parking lot lights

Another big component is reducing the use of natural gas. Recently, classroom temperatures were lowered from 70 to 68 degrees during regular school hours. At night, during weekends and school holidays all unnecessary equipment, such as exhaust fans and drinking fountains, are turned off.

During the summer, many of the concepts listed above are applied, as well as consolidating all district food in one refrigerator and freezer rather than using appliances at each building.

Many of these cost-saving techniques can also be applied at home.

“Saving and conserving is not just about Voorheesville schools and its commitment with EEI, it’s about our world, our homes and our concerns about the upcoming winter season and in the future,” said Huth.