Nebo receives Energy Star certification for 40 buildings; consultant presents $17 million in avoided utility costs

Synergistic, an energy‑management consultant, presented an update to the Nebo School District Board on June 11 and recognized 40 district buildings that earned Energy Star certification from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

Carrie DeBethis of Synergistic said Energy Star certification is awarded to buildings that perform in the top 25% of comparable facilities nationwide and that certified buildings typically use about 35% less energy and produce roughly 35% fewer greenhouse‑gas emissions. Synergistic reported that the district’s overall energy‑use trend has declined by more than 31% since the program began in July 2013, which the consultant quantified as about $17 million in avoided utility costs after factoring weather and unit‑cost variables.

Glenn Pace of Synergistic and district energy staff praised Nebo’s sustained program performance and credited district staff—named by the consultant as energy specialist Adam Roberts and program liaison Matt Gludhill—for leadership and operations support. Synergistic also presented the district with a “best in class” award and donated a $2,500 check to support district scholarships.

The board acknowledged district maintenance and operations staff and requested decals and materials for sites to display the Energy Star recognition. Synergistic said it will provide decals and an obelisk for a photo opportunity with board members.

The consultant noted that the district’s savings include both avoided cost from reduced consumption and avoided increases that would have resulted from higher utility prices. Synergistic’s representatives said the partnership includes measurement, verification and engineering sign‑off for the Energy Star applications submitted to the EPA.