When we think and talk about budget times like those that we are currently in -- the vast majority of the conversation is on how, when, and where to make reductions. We sometimes miss the other side of the equation of how we enhance what we have or as Ben Franklin "coined" it, "A Penny Saved Is A Penny Earned" -- except we are talking about dollars not pennies.
While there obviously has been lots of discussion on the reduction side of things, we have also been working on the "savings" side of things. More specifically, we have been working to save energy and their related costs. We have for some time been aggressive about pursuing energy savings by investing in equipment and software that gives us maximum utilization. However, we have recently been engaged in a program to help us with modifying our behavior -- which has effects on our energy uses.
We have been engaged in this endeavor for less than a year -- and have a six month data report. The news of 1/2 of a year is good!! We have saved (avoided energy costs) over $560,000. Those savings can obviously go to preservation of jobs and other critical costs. Stated in an environmental manner, this would be similar to removing over 260 automobiles from our highways and streets every year.
I commend our Energy Managers as well as the entire staff on this effort and the savings that have been achieved to date. While I am encouraged by the results and am thankful for the savings, I know we can even do better, as we work together to make this program effective.
Thank you for the kind words Dr Miller! As you mentioned, it takes ALL of us to make a difference. The district as a whole have been very supportive and we appreciate it! The thanks belongs to everyone!
ReplyDeleteWhat exactly are these "energy saving" techniques? Having the air conditioning turned off in classrooms while teachers are voluntarily using their own time to set up their classrooms? Having thermostats set at 76 degrees, have any studies been conducted on learning and a dank environment? Are the air conditioners set at 76 degrees at the district office? I would like some answers.
ReplyDeleteI'm all for savings, but sweltering buildings where the a/c comes on at 10:00 and goes off at 1:00 are not conducive to learning.
ReplyDeleteThe air conditioning didn't come on in my room till I called our office @ 11:00am ( 85 deg in my room at that point.).
ReplyDeleteFor the last three years, the district guidelines for ALL buildings, including the district office, has been 68 degrees F for heating and 76 degrees F for cooling. This is in compliance with Federal and ASHREE standards for a classroom learning enviroment.The HVAC units are scheduled to start up 30 minutes prior to the first bell and shut off at the last period bell. Anyone who needs heat or air before or after those times can use the 2 hour over ride button on the thermostat. We have been finding that many people are unaware of the fact that the air will shut off if they leave their door open as the doors are wired to a door switch to prevent the heating and cooling from being wasted.We wouldn't leave the doors in our own homes open with the air on. If your room isn't keeping those temperature setpoints or isn't staying on during the parameters we've defined, please submit a work order as it would appear you have a mechanical issue that needs to be addressed. Thank you for your patience. We're all trying to get through this budget mess as painlessly as possible.If saving Kilowatts can save jobs, I think it's a good road to travel on.
ReplyDeleteI get to work approximately 6:45 and start hitting the on button for a/c w/the room at approx 85-90 degrees. I'm not noticing a difference until 8-9am. I work until 4pm and hit the on button for more a/c about 1pm because it is obviously not on and continuing to hit the button at least 2-3 more times before I leave for the day. Can we not be silly about this? After all we all want to conserve but not be totally uncomfortable while doing so.
ReplyDelete"Conserving" by cutting air conditioning has negatively impacted my classroom over the past few years. Most afternoons in the fall, spring, and summer are nearly unbearable in my room. The warm and stuffy classroom has become an obstacle to effective teaching as well as student learning. I find it inexcusable that students and teachers suffer in conditions like these while offices for administrators and district personnel are kept much cooler....especially in extremely hot weather like we've experienced this week.
ReplyDeleteIf classroom thermostats are set to 76 degrees, those in the district office should be as well. It is disconcerting to see folks in the district office wearing sweaters indoors on hot days...obviously, a double standard exists here. Maybe the adage, what is good for the goose, is good for the gander, should be applied to this situation.
ReplyDeleteI am a Teacher that, thank goodness ,was brought back from being left without a job.If I need to push a button to stay in my classroom after hours, I am more than willing to do that. I hope the veteran Teachers will do the same so I can continue to teach our children next year!
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