The district’s energy conservation program has begun to provide financial and environmental dividends for our community.

Our initiative stems from House Bill 264 that permits school districts to take out low interest loans for energy conservation programs which pay for themselves in 15 years. The district’s $5.7-million program is funded by a no interest loan that does not cost any additional dollars from the district’s general or capital improvements funds. The loan will be repaid with the dollars saved by the energy conservation program.

While the overall scope of the project is long term, the benefits are already starting to be realized.

Earlier this month, American Electric Power recognized the district for reducing its electricity consumption and reducing its CO2 emissions by 632.8 tons this year, the equivalent of as many as 100 cars being off the road per year.

The district has saved more than $455,000 in electricity and natural gas consumption since the beginning of these initiatives, and we will save more than $625,000 by the end of the school year. Our projected savings in electricity and natural gas use by 2017 is more than $2.2-million.

The projects that have lead to these significant savings include:

• High-efficiency boilers;

• More efficient gymnasium lighting;

• Occupancy light sensors;

• Variable frequency drives which allow HVAC systems to use less power;

• Automatic computer shut downs;

• Sensors that allow vending machines to use as little power as possible;

• Reprogramming of HVAC controls;

• Internal utility meters that allow the district to monitor its power usage;

• and solar power at Jerome.

The solar panels on the roof of Jerome are designed to heat a 512 gallon hot water tank and have been saving the district significant natural gas consumption since their installation last summer. The unit is expected to save enough money in natural gas to pay for itself within five to seven years.

In addition to the financial and environmental benefits, the district’s energy conservation program is providing our students with authentic educational experiences in math and science.

Students in Chuck Crawford’s science class at Jerome were integral in the planning for the solar project and are involved in monitoring the water heater’s efficiency, and cost savings to the district and the building. Equipment monitors the temperature of the water heated by the panels and students have the opportunity to observe the unit working and to engage in predictive calculations regarding its future efficiency.

Students are using the internal utility meter data to identify areas where additional energy usage could be cut in their buildings. Additionally, a group of students are assisting the local company JadeTrack, to develop a new product that tracks the carbon footprint of businesses.

The energy conservation program is another example of our commitment to the efficient use of taxpayer dollars while providing our students with the best possible education.