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EMC Students from Texas Achieve $898,000 in Energy Cost Avoidance.

In 2003 a group of Energy Management Certification Program participants from Texas went back to work and applied some of the energy saving techniques they had learned during the on-campus portion of EMC program. The result was $898,000 in avoided costs for their school district. The following summary outlines the project. (Or download the Full Report)

Spring Branch Independent School District Energy Program Summary

The School District:

  • Student Population 32,000 (same for the 2 considered years)
  • Increased SQFT by 250,000 last year. 180,000 planned for current year
  • Annual utilities budget $6 mil

The Energy Management Program

  • Behavioral and Operational Program, focused on education and no cost/low cost solutions.
  • New policies on after-hours interior lighting – half light during cleaning, and unoccupied times in common areas, off when unoccupied.
  • Exterior lighting controlled by mechanical timers are now controlled by head custodian, and are set to go off after last custodian leaves.
  • New policies on HVAC systems – on during occupied times determined by observed building use.
  • Temperature ranges defined by AHRAE comfort standards were implemented.
  • Maintenance addressed gaps between and under doors for tighter building envelope.
  • Auditoriums on “special request” schedules
  • Construction contracts amended to include Energy Specifications
  • Power feature on all computers were enabled with the help of the Technology department.
  • Administrators were asked to limit refrigerators on campuses, and make sure that all of them are unplugged for longer holiday periods.
  • Campuses made to closely monitor water sprinkler use, and to reset sprinkler clocks when it rains. All new sprinkler systems to be installed through Maintenance and must have at least a rain gauge.
  • Maintenance began assessment of all sprinkler systems to verify correct operation
  • Maintenance drafted recommendations to eliminate small grassy areas in courtyards to save money on mowing and watering.
  • Frequent Audits at various different times of the day, week and on holidays.
  • Communications with campus staff via Newsletters, emails, website and presentations
  • Bills were carefully monitored along with weather data and compared to baseline
  • Technology used included – Climate Loggers, infrared temperature guns and light meters

The Results

  • Cost Avoidance of $898,000.
  • Dollar amount reductions $34,660 in spite of increasing SQFT and unit costs.
  • Reductions of 2,044,446 kWh and 103,128 Therms.
Last Updated on Monday, 25 August 2008 13:00
 

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Recognition

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Last Update: January 1st, 2010
The waiting list for Fall 2010 Energy Management Program has expanded and is accepting additional applicants. The water program has openings in their program available for 2010 and have no waiting list. Please stay in touch with us as some people may drop their names from the waiting list as we get closer to the beginning of Fall Term 2010.

Annual Program Support
and Generous Donations By

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Eugene Water and Electric Board

Northwest Energy Education Institute
Science Division-Lane Community College
4000 East 30th Avenue, Eugene, Oregon

Phone: 1-541-463-3977 or 1-800-769-9687
Fax: 1-541-463-4723

Email
info@nweei.org

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