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.