Once again, “green” efforts have saved the Shenandoah County Public School division a significant amount of money when this year’s costs for electricity and water are compared to last year’s costs.

The Shenandoah County Public Schools were able to save $72,545.01 in electrical service costs from July through December 2011. This equated to an overall reduction in usage of 1,088,956 KwH. During these same months, the school division reduced its water consumption by a total of 2,234,000 gallons. The reduction equates to a savings of $33,743.03 when compared to figures last year.  

These savings, which not only benefit the division’s budget but also help to protect our environment, are the direct result of two different projects.

The school division’s energy performance contract has played an important role in the division’s ability to reduce consumption and save money. All energy conservation measures related to water and electricity have been installed. Currently, the final installation of HVAC controls is taking place. It is expected that when this work is completed, the division will be the beneficiary of additional savings. Clearly, the school division is benefiting from the decision to conduct energy renovations across the school division.  

Energy Management Teams at the school and division level have worked with personnel in their buildings to implement specific strategies that have reduced energy costs and, at the same time, have helped to preserve precious environmental resources. Since 2007, when the Go Green! competition was initiated, staff members have continued to be careful with the use of electricity and water. The persistent efforts of individuals have made a difference.     

As a part of the school division’s Go Green! competition, three schools are being recognized for their efforts to reduce electricity and water consumption within their buildings during the first half this school year.  

North Fork Middle School won the middle school electricity competition by reducing consumption by 26.59% equating to an overall reduction when compared to last year of 137,760 KwH.   With regard to water usage, North Fork Middle School was the middle school winner. Their water usage decreased by 37.70%, saving $1,533.21.