June 9, 2003
Schools Could Save $1.5 Billion Annually on Energy
New NCSL report shows how states can help make this happen
DENVER -- American elementary and high schools spend more on energy every year than they do on books and computers combined, according to a new NCSL report. But they don't have to.
"Despite limited operating budgets, may schools pay more than necessary for one expense -- energy -- because schools often use energy inefficiently," states the report, called Energy Efficient Schools: Policies and Opportunities.
NCSL energy policy analysts Christie Rewey and Matthew Brown interviewed experts and extensively surveyed school business managers from all around the country to compile the report, which outlines ways public schools can save money on power in these tough economic times. The report also explains why schools aren't the most conservative users. Several factors contribute to this problem, but the up-front cost of efficient technologies is the root of many: Energy-saving equipment is often more expensive than standard equipment. But the conservative machinery would more than pay for itself in the long run. The U.S. Department of Energy estimates that schools could save $1.5 billion a year if they upgraded their energy technologies.
This report suggests many ways states can help schools make this happen:
- Add a separate utility billing category for schools. Now, schools are considered commercial buildings, which may not be fair to them since they are often vacant at the most energy-demanding times such as holidays and summer.
- Adopt an energy code or suggested design guidelines for schools.
- Implement a grant or low-interest loan program so school districts can pay the up-front costs of efficient technologies in new and old schools.
- Allow schools to keep some, if not all, of the money they save by installing power conserving equipment.
Read the full report at http://www.ncsl.org/legis/esnr/eeschoolpolicy.pdf.
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Gene Rose
Public Affairs Director
303-856-1518
Bill Wyatt
Public Affairs Manager
202-624-8667
Christie Rewey
Matthew Brown
Energy & Electric Utility Policy Analysts
303-364-7700
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