Issue link: https://newsleader.uberflip.com/i/108313
Sarasota News Leader February 8, 2013 Page 37 cording to district Communications Specialist matters. And then we'll continue to look at Scott Ferguson in the press release. things like systematically shutting down or putting to sleep the computer systems" when "In 2007, when the program began our kilowatt-per-hour usage was almost 100 million," they are not in use. said district Energy Manager Jon Hampton in the press release. "By 2011 that usage was reduced by 13 million to 87 million kilowatts per hour, even though we added three new schools during that period." On top of all that, the district was able to take advantage of rebates offered by Florida Power & Light Co. to realize about $2.2 million in additional savings, the news release notes. "Part of what we do is take the rebates we get from FPL and reinvest [them] in further energy-saving technologies," added Lempe. Some of the highlights of the energy conservation program have been reported to the School Board, the release noted: • Three district schools recently earned the Energy Star Award from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency: Atwater Elementary in North Port, Pine View School in Osprey and Riverview High School in Sarasota. Earning the award means these schools operate in the top 25 percent of schools across the U.S. in responsible energy use. School Board member Caroline Zucker, who • The bus garage at the district's Transportawas on the board when the Cenergistics agreetion Department uses energy-saving inducment was approved, concurred with Lempe tion lighting in its service bays. that the contract period may be over, but the work will go on, not only to maintain but also • Demand-controlled ventilation, a method of to enhance energy conservation measures. ensuring cost-effective air ventilation while maximizing indoor air quality, has been in"I think we need to continue to move forstalled district-wide where appropriate. ward," she said. "We need to encourage the behavioral changes — turning off lights, turn• Efficient, cost-saving light-emitting diode ing off computers, things like that." (LED) lighting has been installed at Gulf Gate Elementary and McIntosh Middle "We won't see the large decreases in energy usage," she added. "We've accomplished that, schools, both in Sarasota. but we can still improve," Zucker said. The district continuously researches alternaLempe agreed. tive energy technologies, such as solar and "I think we still need to work on behavior," wind. Solar-panel arrays are in place at Atwahe said. "I think you need to remind people of ter Elementary, Bay Haven School of Basics that all the time, like when you walk out the Plus in Sarasota and Pine View School, and as door, turn off the light. That sounds silly, but the initial cost of implementing this cost-savwe've got 8.8 million square feet of floor space ing technology continues to decrease, district [throughout the district]. Turning off the lights officials hope to add more solar arrays. %