Honored for energy reduction
FRANKFORT, Ky. (Dec. 15, 2016) — The Kentucky Department for Energy Development and Independence (DEDI) today announced 13 schools in Western Kentucky have earned the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) ENERGY STAR certification, placing them in the top 25 percent of the most energy-efficient schools nationwide.
By focusing on energy reduction and using resources available from ENERGY STAR, Caldwell County, McCracken County, McLean County, Todd County and Muhlenberg County school districts have saved more than $1 million dollars in the past seven years.
During recognition events in each of the five school districts, representatives from the Kentucky Energy and Environment Cabinet (EEC) and the Kentucky School Boards Association (KSBA) presented school officials with certificates signed by Kentucky Gov. Matt Bevin and EEC Secretary Charles Snavely.
“A school that earns the ENERGY STAR designation has distinguished itself by being among the best performers in conserving energy and saving taxpayer dollars,” said Rick Bender, executive advisor of the Kentucky Department for Energy Development and Independence. “These school districts are to be commended for their ongoing commitment to make energy efficiency a priority that continues to pay dividends and will ensure a brighter future for Kentucky’s students. Congratulations on earning this national symbol of excellence.”
The districts and schools recognized for earning ENERGY STAR certification are:
- Caldwell County School District, now with 100 percent of its schools ENERGY STAR certified, including: Caldwell Primary, Caldwell Elementary, Caldwell Middle and Caldwell High schools.
- McCracken County High School
- Mclean County School District’s Calhoun Elementary, Sacramento Elementary, Livermore Elementary and McLean County High School
- Todd County Middle School
- Muhlenberg County School District’s Greenville Elementary, Central City Elementary, Muhlenberg South Elementary, and Muhlenberg County High School East Campus
“With rising energy costs the second highest line item in a school’s budget, superintendents and boards of education are taking action to achieve savings through energy management,” said Ron Willhite, Director of the KSBA School Energy Managers Project (SEMP). “School energy managers play a key role in many districts by consistently making energy efficiency a standard component of a school’s operating platform and by identifying projects to maximize savings.”
Willhite said these efforts have produced an 18 percent energy reduction in the five school districts since FY2010, with more than $1.7 million dollars saved — money that is put to better use, educating students. ENERGY STAR schools use, on average, 35 percent less energy than similar schools across the nation.
The KSBA-SEMP program has supported energy efficiency initiatives in Kentucky’s 173 school districts since 2010 by identifying resources to place energy managers in schools and by providing technical and administrative assistance.
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