by jbs082810 d3 — August 30, 2010—As more New England communities seek cost savings in a tight economy, many are looking to expand energy efficiency in schools and other municipal buildings, saving money and helping the environment, reports the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Thirty-six schools in Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Hampshire and Rhode Island are taking concrete steps to reduce their energy costs and help the environment.
EPA’s New England Community Energy Challenge helps communities to reduce their energy use from municipal buildings by at least ten percent. Communities in New England who have signed on to this challenge and have recently earned Energy Star labels for their schools as a result of their energy efficiency efforts include Danbury and Ridgefield, CT; Boxford and Chelmsford, MA; Manchester and Rochester, NH; and Cranston, RI.
These school departments have employed various means to reduce their energy use including insulating and sealing air leaks, installing computerized energy management, new boilers, windows, lighting, ventilation equipment, carbon dioxide fan controls, temperature controls, water conservation upgrades and hiring an energy manager.
