School District Saves Over A Million Dollars In Energy Costs This Past Year
Energy costs are a large segment of any school district’s budget. By conserving energy the School District of Palm Beach County is able to maximize the money we put directly into the classroom. This year the School District’s Florida Power & Light energy consumption is down by 2.18% (6,998,117 kWh) and energy costs are down 3.65% ($1,218,466).
The reduction in energy cost is a combination of efforts by schools and district staff according to Joseph Sanches, Chief of Support Operations, “This is in part a testament to the effectiveness of our nighttime energy audits as well as the energy conservation incentive program which pays schools to save energy. I’d like to thank the schools for helping with this effort and especially the volunteers on the school’s green teams who are the champions on the ground. Schools can learn more about energy conservation and other sustainable practices at the Florida Green School Conference on Friday, October 19th at Alexander W. Dreyfoos School of the Arts.”
The Energy Conservation Incentive Program is a result of the School District’s desire to reduce energy use and to be good stewards of our natural resources, while also reducing expenditures. Schools are encouraged to take an active role in managing energy consumption on their campuses. The Facilities Services and Environmental & Conservation Services Departments assist all schools with their energy conservation efforts throughout the year.
The School District has also been building energy efficient schools for a number of years. Computerized energy management systems control air conditioning and lighting schedules. Efficient space utilization also allows unoccupied areas to be shut down.
For more information please contact Chris Skerlec at chris.skerlec@palmbeachschools.org and Lee Kapp at lee.kapp@palmbeachschools.org .
For more information about the Florida Green School Conference visit the Learn Green Conference website at http://www.learngreenconference.com/index.html .
