Egg Harbor Township School District has been recognized for cutting energy costs by 29 percent, or about $1 million, more than a year into its four-year, $1.8 million contract with a private conservation firm.
The district has received an Environmental Excellence Award from Energy Education, the Dallas-based company that has worked with over 1,200 churches and schools to reduced energy costs. The district hired the company last year to evaluate its schools and make recommendations.
In Egg Harbor Township, changes have included new HV/AC systems, increased energy monitoring and a set of operating procedures designed to reduce wasted energy. The district also hired former Superintendent Philip Heery to oversee and promote the program across all of its schools.
School officials say the district has prevented the equivalent of 3,889 metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions since the program began in March 2011.
“(The district) for over a decade has had to find ways to do more with less and this is just another example of the creativity and dedication our Board of Education has to being frugal and good stewards of the resources our community provides,” said Superintendent Scott McCartney, in a written statement.
William Spears, chairman and founder of Energy Education, said reaching that level of savings is a “significant achievement” for the district.
“Strong support from everyone involved in the organization has created an atmosphere of cooperation that should continue to grow and ensure even greater success well into the future,” he said.
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