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Dorchester 02 reports energy intensity drop, cites behavior and equipment changes for further savings
Summary
District staff reported a 7.8 drop in energy use intensity year‑over‑year, described ongoing LED and HVAC projects, outlined setpoint policy and behavior changes, and discussed solar and community‑solar limits tied to utility contracting.
At the Jan. 13 Facilities Committee meeting, energy manager Jennifer Kitros (referenced by staff) and district facilities staff reviewed the district’s energy performance and measures to control consumption and costs.
Staff said the district’s energy use intensity (EUI) is about 7.8 kBTU per square foot lower than the previous year (data through September 2024), a reduction staff attributed to efficiency projects and operational changes. The presenter said the district pulled billing through September 2024 and expects larger savings as LED and HVAC projects from the referendum finish; completed lighting and HVAC work on the SPAN campus and planned ceiling/lighting projects at four schools were singled out.
Staff emphasized that behavior changes (for example, closing propped exterior doors, turning off TVs and computers when not in use) are a major source of potential savings alongside capital upgrades. The presenter cited the district’s energy setpoints: cooling set at 72°F ±1 and heating at 69°F ±1. Staff also noted an earlier state program target to reduce usage by 20% (met in 2019) and current efforts to update the district’s energy management plan; the presenter said the plan will be revised and may be brought to the board for reapproval.
On solar, staff said the district received about $27,000 last year from its solar arrangements and continues to pursue grants and rebates for LED conversions. The presenter described legal and contractual challenges to building on‑site solar fields tied to utility buy‑back rates and contract terms; staff cited prior experience with community solar options when on‑site agreements were not contractually feasible.
The committee discussed personal appliances in schools (microwaves, personal refrigerators and coffee makers). Staff said such appliances can add up in aggregate—an individual mini‑fridge was estimated at about $50 per year to run—and stressed safety concerns and wiring/monitoring responsibilities. No immediate policy change was approved at the meeting; staff said they will provide more data and a revised energy plan with possible stronger enforcement options.
Ending: Staff will return with a revised energy management plan, additional appliance usage estimates and data on projected savings as LED and HVAC projects complete.
