New England Schools Get Ready for School Year – and Big Energy Savings

(Boston, Massachusetts - Aug. 19, 2010) - As more New England communities seek cost savings in a tight economy, many are looking to expand energy efficiency in schools and other municipal buildings, saving money and helping the environment. 36 schools in Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Hampshire and Rhode Island are taking concrete steps to reduce their energy costs and help the environment.

EPA's New England Community Energy Challenge helps communities to reduce their energy use from municipal buildings by at least 10 percent. Communities in New England who have signed on to this challenge and have recently earned Energy Star labels for their schools as a result of their energy efficiency efforts include Danbury and Ridgefield, Conn.; Boxford and Chelmsford, Mass.; Manchester and Rochester, N.H.; and Cranston, R.I.

12 schools in Cranston, 11 schools in 10 buildings in Rochester, 8 in Ridgefield, 3 in Chelmsford, 2 in Danbury and one each in Boxford and Manchester have earned the Energy Star label, an energy efficiency standard that certifies that they are in the top 25 percent of schools across the United States.

"Increasing energy efficiency can save school districts 30 percent or more on their energy bills each year," said E.P.A. Region one regional administrator Curt Spalding. "Energy efficiency is a wise way for municipalities to save money, help the environment by reducing greenhouse gases and other emissions, all while providing a comfortable and productive learning environment."

These school departments have employed various means to reduce their energy use including insulating and sealing air leaks, installing computerized energy management, new boilers, windows, lighting, ventilation equipment, carbon dioxide fan controls, temperature controls, water conservation upgrades and hiring an energy manager.

"Being the 3rd biggest department in the state, it's important to set an example that no matter what the challenges, energy efficiency can be achieved. Earning the Energy Star speaks volumes for what the plan has accomplished," said Richard Kalisz, Director of Maintenance, Rochester N.H. School Department.

Communities across New England are working with EPA, regional utilities, non-profits, and businesses through a variety of programs to find and promote cost effective energy efficiency measures. Through the Community Energy Challenge, cities and towns can take advantage of free E.P.A. Energy Star tools and resources to assess, or benchmark, building energy use in schools, municipal buildings and/or wastewater facilities. Participants also have access to a network of organizations, professionals and backing opportunities that can help them enhance energy efficiency and take advantage of renewable energy resources in their community.

Schools getting Energy Star labels include:

Danbury, Conneticut: Morris Street School and Danbury High School

Ridgefield, Conneticut: Barlow Mountain Elementary School, Branchville Elementary School, East Ridge Middle School, Farmingville Elementary School, Ridgebury Elementary School, Scotland Elementary School, Scotts Ridge Middle School, and Veterans Park Elementary School

Boxford, Massachusetts: Harry Lee Cole School

Chelmsford, Massachusetts: Byam Elementary School, Chelmsford High School, Harrington School

Manchester, N.H.: Highland Goffes Falls School

Rochester, N.H.: Chamberlain Street School, East Rochester School, Maple Street School, McClelland Elementary School, Nancy Loud School, Rochester Middle School, School Street School, Spaulding High School, The Richard W. Creteau Regional Technology Center, William Allen School

Cranston, R.I.: Chester W. Barrows School, Edgewood Highland School, Cranston High School East, Cranston High School West Norwood Avenue School, Park View Middle School, Rhodes Elementary School, Sprague School, Stone Hill Elementary School, Western Hills Middle School, William A. Briggs School, Daniel Waterman Elementary School

More information: Energy Conservation in New England http://www.epa.gov/region1/eco/energy/energy-challenge.html

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