Reduce Energy Costs, Save a Teacher
Many facilities are facing infrastructure concerns that include inefficient, outdated systems. Iowa’s Office of Energy Independence (OEI) introduces Building Energy $mart (BE$T). Their first step is improving energy efficiency in Iowa’s schools so they perform at optimal levels by implementing cost-effective energy efficiency improvements and where feasible incorporating renewable energy technologies.
Through enrollment in BE$T, East Marshall Community School District was able to double the square footage of their facility and add air conditioning without increasing their utility costs. The administration took advantage of incremental financing along with PPEL to construct a new wing and install geothermal for the entire facility. The process identifies the needs in your facility and provides a custom-fit solution set so you are able to see reduced energy usage and lower your overall utility costs. At the Harlan Community School District a lighting retrofit was identified with a projected $70,000 in annual savings; replacing the boiler at the Colfax-Mingo School District was projected to save $65,000 annually.
How can you afford a project considering the current economic downturn? Many options are available, including your School Infrastructure Local Option Sales Tax (SILO), Physical Plant & Equipment Levy (PPEL), or issuing debt with the letter of approval OEI can provide. From an initial energy audit, to organizing affordable financing and overseeing remodeling projects, our experts will ensure that the process works in your best interest and that the building improvements you choose will, and continue to save energy. Projects range from lighting retrofits to wind energy and everything in between.
Enrolling in BE$T is easy! Once you join, there are four key steps to achieving energy efficiency:
1. Determine Current Energy Use and Potential Savings. A comprehensive study that makes sense for the size of your facility is conducted to assess the current energy consumption and necessary improvements to reach the facilities maximum potential.
2. Create a Financing Package. To develop a cost-effective financing program for your institution, a team of experts will find competitive rates and financing to fund energy and renewable technology projects.
3. Make Improvements. A group of engineering professionals and building experts guide the processes of hiring contractors, choosing the most appropriate installations, overseeing projects, and even testing equipment.
4. Track Savings. With energy accounting and facility monitoring you can be assured that energy savings are being achieved and the equipment maintained.
“The economics are a Perfect Storm in Reverse; there’s low-cost money, available work force, desire on the part of districts to save. It’s the perfect time to implement energy efficiency projects,” says Duane Van Hemert, IASB.
Whether you are planning to build a new facility, update your existing facility, or haven’t considered a project until now, enroll in BE$T and realize savings through energy efficiency.
For a free walk-through to identify potential improvements or to learn more, CALL 1-877-571-6625.
The above article was obtained from The Energy Group. The Energy Group is an independently owned professional services firm specializing in a variety of energy and utility based services in Iowa, Minnesota, Illinois, South Dakota and Nebraska. The Energy Group facilitates all types of building renovation and construction efforts and can bring specific expertise in the area of installations of new energy efficient equipment that produces energy savings.
