Duanesburg reduces carbon footprint, saves nearly $40K through energy management program
The Duanesburg Central School District has reduced its energy consumption and saved close to $40,000 in the process thanks to the hard work of school staff and the Capital Region BOCES Energy Management Service. Duanesburg is one of seven districts, including Cairo-Durham, Galway, Mechanicville, Middleburgh, Stillwater and Watervliet, that participates in an energy management consortium through BOCES.
The $39,283.44 savings is the districts’ cost avoidance, or the difference between dollars spent on energy from March 2010 to April 2011, compared to the amount spent during the same 13-month period the year prior. That represents a 21 percent reduction in utility costs.
Energy education specialists from Capital Region BOCES Energy Management Service have worked closely with Duanesburg’s staff to create a culture of energy conservation, emphasizing simple measures such as turning off lights and computers and lowering thermostats on nights, weekends or during school vacations when buildings are not in use.
The BOCES Energy Management Service operates as a regional shared service that brings together small and medium sized school districts in a comprehensive conservation program designed to reduce energy consumption in school facilities and help districts save money on rising energy costs. The program uses energy-accounting software to track consumption of electricity, natural gas and fuel oil. By monitoring and analyzing energy use, each district can identify and take steps to address issues, as necessary.
The energy management program also audits and monitors utility bills and meters for errors or overcharges; evaluates usage trends for irregularities; explores rebates and grants; and creates a “climate of conservation” to deliver sustainable savings.
Superintendent Christine Crowley said
the program has been successful, in large part, because of school staff. “Our
participation in the BOCES Energy Management Service has reduced our energy
costs and it’s significantly changed our perception of energy use in our
schools,” Crowley said.
She added that finding ways to save money is so important during these uncertain
financial times.
“Thanks to the energy management program and the diligence of our employees to control energy usage in our buildings, we have an additional opportunity to protect our community’s investment in its schools," Crowley said.