In today’s current economic climate, it seems that most of us are watching our wallets and pinching pennies wherever possible. Furthermore, schools are always looking for ways to trim their budget without trimming their standards. Educational institutions are regularly searching for methods to obtain and maintain the best atmosphere for their students and faculty, but many across the country have been hindered by capital cuts and budget restraints. Unfortunately, because of these shoestring budgets, school districts are unable to make critical infrastructure and energy investments in their aging facilities because the capital expenditure is simply too hefty a price tag. Sometimes costs simply cannot outweigh the benefits.
As much as 30 percent of a school’s total energy is used inefficiently or unnecessarily. By being more energy efficient, schools can help prevent greenhouse gas emissions and improve the students’ learning environment.
One option that is gaining popularity nationwide is energy savings performance contracts (ESPC). ESPCs allow Federal agencies (i.e. schools) to accomplish energy savings projects without up-front capital costs. ESPCs also help agencies meet energy efficiency, renewable energy, water conservation, and emissions reduction goals by streamlining contract funding for energy management projects. Meanwhile, energy services companies can guarantee energy savings will outweigh the cost of the project, allowing the customer to pay project costs through their savings.
Pinpointing areas where energy-efficient improvements and other upgrades can be most effective is a key component. School and facility improvements can constitute a wide range of enhancements, from heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) upgrades, all the way to solar and renewable energy installations. Quincy High School recently installed a greenhouse, an 800-watt solar photovoltaic system, and a solar thermal system through an ESPC.
For some schools that aren’t ready to make the commitment of construction or infrastructure work gradual changes are often a successful alternative. Most schools can measure and track energy performance by initiating low cost measures that include recycling, turning off lights when not in use, setting back the thermostat at night and when a building is unoccupied, and performing maintenance on equipment. Awareness is a key concept, but educating students and employees of the school can have a very positive affect on energy usage behaviors.
From elementary schools to colleges and universities, educational facilities have the capability to access a wide variety of efficient energy strategies, grants and solutions that deliver both savings and proven benefits to the environment. The campuses that best leverage these strategies will be the hubs to inspire future energy innovations.
