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District buildings earn Energy Star recognition; consultant credits staff and maintenance
Summary
Synergistix informed the board that five district buildings earned EPA Energy Star recognition and praised custodial and maintenance staff for energy-saving practices that reduce operating costs.
Synergistix representatives told the Burlington Community School District Board of Education on Feb. 10 that five district buildings qualified for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Energy Star recognition.
"Buildings that earn this recognition use about 35% less energy and are less expensive to operate," Jesse Colter, client manager with Synergistix, told the board. He said applications are reviewed by a professional engineer and that on-site testing measured power factor, temperature, humidity and carbon dioxide in classrooms.
John, Synergistix’s on-site energy specialist, conducted audits and measurements districtwide, Colter said, and the company will present framed certificates and window decals to principals. Colter told the board that some buildings (including the high school) did not qualify this year because the EPA requires 12 months of consistent energy-bill data without construction interruptions or because the hours of operation vary for spaces such as daycare or preschool.
A board member said the practical benefit is dollars saved. "Every dollar we don't spend there goes right back into our classrooms," the board member said. Synergistix staff and board members praised building staff and students for energy-conscious behaviors, such as turning off lights and reporting comfort issues to maintenance.
Colter said the Energy Star process will be repeated annually and that buildings that implement equipment upgrades (for example, new rooftop units) may qualify in future cycles.
