Scottsboro Board of Education trying to find ways to put money in classroom
Continuing efforts toward making the Scottsboro City Schools System energy efficient are underway.
The Scottsboro City Schools Board of Education received an updated reported from Schneider Electric Buildings America, Inc. Monday regarding the ongoing energy conservation projects for the school system.
The conservation project is district wide and was first approved by the board in January.
Through the energy conservation project, 10-40 percent of energy expenditures are anticipated to be reallocated back into the classroom through a series of cost saving measures. The program also incorporates technology to help automate energy efficiency savings within buildings and IT infrastructures.
Dr. Judy Berry, Superintendent of Education, said the program is a great thing for the school system.
Some energy efficiency initiative enhancements include replacing lighting throughout the schools and gymnasiums. Two of the larger projects include total replacement of piping systems at Scottsboro Junior High School and the HVAC units at Brownwood Elementary School. Other enhancements include replacing the boiler at Carter Gymnasium, installing computerized power saving software for computers and building lighting along with water and irrigation conservation measures for bathrooms in the schools.
A solar learning lab will also be added at Collins Elementary School. Through solar panels installed at the school and a dashboard of compiled information, students will be able to see how much energy is being conserved in the facility. Through large screen television, the information will be broadcast through all of the schools as a way to not only show students efforts being made, but also to show the community.
“We want the community to see how this project develops and how cost saving adds up for our system,” said Berry. ”
For Scottsboro City Schools, a potential $187,000 savings in energy expenses with a reduction in over 24 percent of total energy usage is expected.
Schneider Electric has completed 480 plus successful projects in 34 states. For schools in the state of Alabama, the program has helped generate $1 million, including the Florence City Schools system, which saved over $200,000 and reduced utility bills for that particular system by 20 percent.
To assist with funding for the project, the school system was awarded a Qualified Energy Conservation Bond, that is used only for energy conservation projects saving at least 20 percent of energy usage. Guaranteed by Schenider Electric is a 24 percent saving of energy costs, or more than $228,000 per year in savings.
All materials and work involved in the project will be bid locally in the coming months.
Source: www.thedailysentinel.com; Laura Pitts; June 6, 2012.
