For Immediate Release
March 9, 2004
A concerted effort to examine all possible ways to save energy has resulted in a savings to Madison taxpayers of over $4.7 million in gas and electricity costs, school officials announced today. Savings were generated from a wide range of projects including, new energy efficient equipment, lighting controls, occupancy sensors, water conservation measures, paper recycling and several others.
"For the past six years Madison schools has aggressively pursued energy conservation and environmentally responsible building improvements, saving taxpayers over $4.7 million in electricity and natural gas expenses," said Doug Pearson, director of Building Services. "Every time something needs replacing, we're looking at long-term savings through conservation and energy efficiency," he said. Pearson said the cost savings is a "low-ball, conservative estimate."
"We know that state revenue limits mean resources for the school district are extremely tight - and will continue to be," Pearson said. "However, with careful and thoughtful long-range planning, we are saving energy, helping the environment and saving taxpayer dollars all at the same time. We're doing our best to keep resources in the classroom."
The square footage of the buildings maintained by the district is equivalent to the Sears Tower in Chicago. Utility costs for Madison Schools during the period from 1997-2003 increased almost 28 percent, similar to utility increases for school districts across Wisconsin.
In 1997, the district consumed about 3.1 million therms of natural gas and 28.6 million kilowatt hours. By 2002, the therms used was reduced to 3 million (3% drop) and kilowatt hours declined to 25.8 million (9.6% drop), even though the district added several new facilities during the period, including Chavez Elementary, the Allied Learning Center, and Lussier Stadium, with additions at Leopold and Hawthorne Elementary schools, and other locations.
Pearson said the district has also recycled over 800 tons of mixed paper in the last three years, keeping the paper out of the county landfill and saving the taxpayers over $19,000 in landfill tipping fees. Additionally, flush valve controls installed are saving over 5.3 million gallons of water annually, helping to reduce water consumption by 15 percent since 1997. The annual water savings translates into almost $12,500 reduced water/sewer fees.
The district is an Energy Star partner with the state and US Environmental Protection Agency. The program provides grants for a variety of energy conservation measures. In 1999, the district received Summa Cum Laude recognition from the EPA for its energy conservation efforts. In 2003, the district received a certificate from the City of Madison recognizing the district's efforts related to the city's Climate Protection plan, designed to reduce harmful emissions.
The district also has a partnership with Madison Gas & Electric, who installed solar panels on the roofs of all five of the district's high schools. The panels provide limited energy to the schools and are used by students as learning tool.
A district-wide energy conservation committee is being formed to give energy conservation issues a higher profile among staff and students, addressing energy conservation measures and environmentally responsible practices. Additionally, more lighting retrofits are planned for the high school gymnasiums, and in several elementary schools.
For More Information Contact:
Doug Pearson, 204-7909, or
Joe Quick, 663-1902
The district's water conserving efforts annually saves $5,746 in water fees and $6,742 in sewer fees.
*Water savings extrapolations provided by George Kraft, Professor of Water Resources, UW-Stevens Point.
Paper recycling - The district recycles 200 tons of paper annually - over 90 percent of the paper it purchases (buys about 220 tons annually). Recycling experts estimate that a ton of paper recycled translates into 40 trees. In three years the district has recycled over 800 tons of mixed paper. That translates into over 32,000 trees! During that period, the district has also saved taxpayers over $19,000 in landfill tipping fees.
Using the estimate that 800 tons of paper roughly equals the equivalent of 960 cords of wood*, the district's savings translates into enough wood to:
Laying the recycled paper (800 tons) end-to-end would cover 37 square miles with office paper.
*Paper savings extrapolations provided by UW-Madison Assistant Professor Scott Bowe, Dept. of Forest Ecology and Management and information from the Wisconsin Paper Council.
Public Information Office
545 W. Dayton St.
Madison, WI 53703
608-663-1879
email: newsrelease@madison.k12.wi.us
Last Modified: 2004-03-09
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