13 schools save energy during second year of incentive program
October 22, 2009
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Hugh Osteen, Assistant Superintendent, Operational Services, 560-3831
DURHAM—An incentive program aimed at decreasing energy consumption in Durham Public Schools has paid off in more ways than one.
The DPS Energy Incentive Program was established in August 2007. Its goal was to reduce energy consumption while also acknowledging the efforts of teachers, students and staff by returning part of the electrical and natural gas savings back to the schools.
Schools were asked to utilize conservation measures, such as turning off lights, computer monitors and similar efforts. Teachers and administrators complied, and the results were impressive.
During the 2008-09 school year, the districtwide energy savings was more than 6 billion BTUs – almost twice the reduction from the previous year—and provided significant reductions in utility bills.
Thirteen schools shared $18,000 of that savings to use in their schools. Bethesda and Fayetteville Street Elementary School, Lowe’s Grove Middle and Jordan and Riverside High Schools each received $2,000 for saving the most.
Mangum Elementary, Githens Middle and Southern High Schools each received rewards of $1,500. Y.E. Smith Elementary and Neal Middle received $1,000 each, and receiving $500 each for their efforts were Hope Valley, Parkwood and Pearsontown Elementary Schools.
“We congratulate the schools whose students and teachers displayed a real commitment to saving energy,” said Superintendent Carl Harris. “We know that these schools are setting a great example for other schools and the community as a whole by reducing our utility use, our bottom line and our impact on the environment.
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