Four schools were ‘stars’ in the spotlight during the Knox County Board of Education’s September 22nd meeting.
G. R. Hampton Elementary, Jesse D. Lay Elementary, Flat Lick Elementary and Dewitt Elementary were honored for achieving ENERGY STAR designation during the meeting.
The district was able to achieve this recognition by implementing a variety of energy and maintenance savings techniques that are providing energy savings as well as a more comfortable and safe environment for students and staff.
To earn the ENERGY STAR awards, Knox County Public Schools partnered with Harshaw Trane, an energy services company based in Louisville, KY, to update facilities through lighting retrofits and upgrades, HVAC replacement and repair, window replacements, building controls repair, retrofits and installation in various buildings. The district has also leveraged Harshaw Trane’s Intelligent Services program, a real-time monitoring and maintenance service, ensuring facility environmental controls remain optimized to sustain and further grow on the savings opportunities.
“Our partnership with Trane, combined with student energy clubs and an increased emphasis on energy education in the classroom has enabled us to achieve this designation,” said Kim Merida, Facilities Director for the school district.
“Beyond the upgrades to our facilities, it takes everyone working together to be energy aware and achieve long term savings for our school district.”
Commercial buildings that earn the ENERGY STAR label use an average of 35 percent less energy than typical buildings and also release 35 percent less carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. Knox County Public School’s actual cumulative savings from project completion in February 2014 to June 30, 2015:
· $320,379 energy cost reduction
· 30% reduction in electricity and gas compared to baseline
“Knox County Schools is committed to providing the best teaching and learning environment possible while being fiscally responsible,” said Kyle Johnson, Education Sustainability Leader with Harshaw Trane.
“The investments that they have made, and continue to make, in their facilities and support services are evidence of this commitment. Our partnership is an important part of their commitment and we look forward to serving Knox County Schools for many years to come.”