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Health & Fitness

District Hits $3 Million Mark in Energy Cost Avoidance

Since the inception of the Energy Program at CUSD 200, the District has avoided $3 million in energy costs with a savings of 25.5%.

Since the inception of the Energy Program at CUSD 200, the District has avoided $3 million in energy costs with a savings of 25.5%. This means that compared to the calendar year 2008, the District consumed 25.5% less in energy District-wide (electric, gas and water) through early August of 2012. The District, along with our partner Energy Education, has cultivated both environmental and economic responsibility throughout the District. The innovative program has magnified the positive environmental impact and cost avoidance to an incredible level throughout the last several years culminating this month of August with passing the $3 million saved threshold.

This savings allows the Board of Education to spend dollars far more effectively on students, staff, and educational goals- not utility bills.

Perhaps the largest impact from this nationally recognized program for the District and the community it serves is a comprehensive energy program that promotes a cleaner environment. We are proud of our ENERGY STAR certification for all schools following the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Guidelines for Energy Management for 2010, 2011 being in the top 25% of school districts in the nation. It appears as though all schools will once again achieve the Energy Star Certification for 2012.

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Communication and motivation for the Energy Program has been based on cooperation at all levels throughout the District. This teamwork, as well as continuous Energy Audits, careful management of mechanical and technical support has yielded these significant results. The next logical step is to start upgrading the Energy Management Systems or EMS that are currently at our buildings and control the learning environment. This significant step was started in earnest through the use of performance contractors this summer and District 200 is looking forward to additional environmental and economic upgrades. CUSD 200 will continue its efforts to achieve the best possible balance for all stakeholders and stay a leader in the energy conservation field for many years to come.

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