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Seminole schools say 17 schools earned Energy Star, report nearly $1.9 million saved
Summary
District officials and a Trane consultant announced at the June 17 board meeting that 17 Seminole County schools have earned EPA Energy Star certification and the district estimates roughly $1.9 million in utility savings directed back to schools.
Seminole County Public Schools announced that 17 district schools have earned Energy Star certification and reported substantial utility savings during a June 17 board meeting.
Mark Mullins, assistant superintendent of operations, introduced Annabelle, a Trane consultant, who said the district grew its Energy Star-certified schools from zero to 17 since the partnership began. “We got 9 last year,” Annabelle said, and “of these 17 schools, we’ve saved over $1,900,000 going towards Duke and FP and L,” referring to utility-cost savings the district attributes to efficiency upgrades.
Annabelle described Energy Star certification as a free U.S. Environmental Protection Agency program that indicates a building performs at or above the 75th percentile for efficiency compared with peer K–12 facilities nationwide while maintaining healthy ventilation and temperature controls.
District officials said the savings have been reinvested into schools rather than paid to utility companies. Mark Mullins thanked Trane and facilities staff and said the program balances sustainability with student health and learning conditions.
The board received plaques to present to principals of certified schools. Officials did not in the meeting provide a line-by-line accounting of which systems were upgraded at each campus, nor did they provide a multiyear baseline consumption table in the public presentation; Annabelle said the district has been partnering with Trane for about five years.
Board members expressed appreciation for the reported savings and for redirecting those funds to school programs and infrastructure.
