In today’s current economic climate, everyone is watching their wallets and pinching pennies wherever possible while still trying to maintain a sustainable quality of life. Educational institutions are regularly searching for methods to obtain and maintain the best atmosphere for their students and faculty, but many across the country have been hindered by capital cuts and budget restraints, some even experiencing complete elimination of former programs and student benefits.
Unfortunately, because of these shoestring budgets, school districts are unable to make critical infrastructure and energy investments in their aging facilities because the capital expenditure is simply too hefty a price tag. Sometimes costs simply cannot outweigh the benefits.
One option that is gaining popularity nationwide is energy savings performance contracts (ESPC). As stated by the Department of Energy, ESPCs allow federal agencies (i.e. schools) to accomplish energy savings projects without up-front capital costs and without special Congressional appropriations. ESPCs help federal agencies meet energy efficiency, renewable energy, water conservation, and emissions reduction goals by streamlining contract funding for energy management projects. Meanwhile, energy services companies can guarantee energy savings will outweigh the cost of the project, allowing the customer to pay project costs through their savings.
As much as 30% of a school’s total energy is used inefficiently or unnecessarily. Through ESPCs, schools are able to save in a variety of cost effective ways. By being more energy efficient, schools can help prevent greenhouse gas emissions and improve the students’ learning environment.
Pinpointing areas where energy-efficient improvements and other upgrades can be most effective is a key component. School and facility improvements can constitute a wide range of enhancements; standard advancement often upgrades typically include, the installations of new lighting, an energy management system, new high efficiency boilers, heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) upgrades, insulation improvements, water conservation upgrades and solar panel installations. For some schools that aren’t ready to take the leap into construction, gradual changes are often a successful alternative. Most schools can measure and track energy performance by initiating low cost measures that include recycling, turning off lights when not in use, setting back the thermostat at night and when a building is unoccupied, and performing maintenance on equipment.
Awareness is a key concept, but educating students and employees of the school can have a very positive effect on energy usage behaviors.
From elementary schools to colleges and universities, educational facilities have access to a wide variety of efficient energy strategies and solutions that deliver both savings and proven benefits to the environment. Although it may not be the most immediate need for some schools, increased energy efficiency can provide classrooms and campuses with a greater incentive to become greener, while energy savings and economic benefits can be put toward capital improvements, ultimately creating a healthier and higher performing school. The campuses that best leverage these strategies will be the hubs to inspire future energy innovations.
Matthew P. Guarracino is business development manager, J.M. Electrical Company, Inc.