Goal:

To minimize waste and reduce the school district's energy consumption, measured in kilowatt hours per square foot, an additional 5% during the school year. And, to minimize waste in all other facility uses. It is the expectation of the Superintendent and the School Board that all cost center personnel will observe the following operational guidelines that support a waste reduction program applicable to electric, water, solid waste, and natural gas utilities:

Guidelines for Reduction of Waste:

• Turn off office equipment at night and when not in use. If the equipment has a power-saver mode, be sure it is enabled.
• Turn off lights when area is left unoccupied.
• Establish behavioral modification practices which lessen end-user consumption.
• All lights (inside and outside) must be turned off each day after the buildings are locked for the night; adjust controls as needed.
• Water heaters must be set for usage time only (preheat should be 15-30 minutes). If hot water is needed for general use, like hand washing only, reduce setting to 120 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Evaluate load patterns that can create optimal rate prices.
• Water heaters that are never used must be turned off.
• The amount of lighting used should be appropriate for the activity and used only when necessary. Install controls as needed.
• Use proper partial lighting for after-hour activities (i.e. partial banks of lights for practice or group meetings).
• Review the activities scheduled, so as to meet the needs of the group (i.e. small group-small room).
• Review use of facilities by outside agencies. Investigate potential for meeting outside the school setting.
• After-school activities must be housed with HVAC efficiency taken into account.
• Irrigation of facilities must follow state and local regulations.
• Water cooler thermostats to be set at highest setting.
• The use of personal appliances, such as countertop microwaves, coffee pots, unit heaters, etc. are not permitted in student instructional/counseling areas; appliances in teacher planning area may be considered appropriate.
• Examine preventative maintenance programs for improvements in filter changing routines, coil cleaning schedules, etc.
• Store scheduled holiday hours, non-work hours, and special school events into the energy management system.
• Turn school trophy/display cases off at night.
• Check utility meters for off-peak usage.
• Calibrate all temperature sensors for compliance with original design intent and control.
• Use lower wattage usage fixtures. Use fluorescent lamps when replacing incandescent lamps.
• Add rain sensors to irrigation systems. Use landscaping mulch to reduce water quantities.
• Report/repair water leaks immediately.
• Consider installing energy control devices on vending machines.
• Boilers should be inspected for safety and efficiency.
• Inspect and replace equipment filters on a regular basis.
• Inspect and clean evaporator and condenser coils.
• Ventilation should be reduced as far as possible, consistent with code and health standards.
• School staff must be responsible and accountable for energy-related activities which contribute to energy savings.
• Recycle…Redesign…Reduce…Remanufacture…Reuse.