by Jbs091009 a3 — September 16, 2009—During the back-to-school season, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is challenging school administrators and building managers to improve energy efficiency throughout their facilities by taking the Energy Star Challenge.
Schools that accept the challenge will join more than 500 other school districts across the country. The Energy Star program also extends to Higher Education facilities.
Schools that take the Energy Star Challenge can use energy tracking tools, technical guidance, case studies and other Energy Star tools and resources to help them improve their energy efficiency.
Nearly 2,000 schools have earned EPA’s Energy Star label for superior energy efficiency, including some in Oregon’s Gresham-Barlow School District, which cut energy use by 48 percent. In one year, the district saved more than $1.3 million in utility costs, the equivalent of 24 fulltime teachers’ salaries, says EPA.
According to EPA, colleges and universities spend close to $2 billion each year on energy. Adopting a strategic approach to energy management can reportedly lower their energy bills by 30 percent or more. Energy Star offers a proven energy management strategy to reduce energy use and save money for repair and renovation, hiring of new faculty, new construction, and other core activities.
