Four more MMSD schools have earned the Energy Star label, from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Cherokee Middle, Jefferson Middle, Midvale Elementary and Muir Elementary Schools have lowered their energy consumption to qualify for this certification.

MMSD has been an Energy Star partner since 1999. As part of the EPA's program, the utility bills for all MMSD schools are sent in to the EPA benchmarking study. The school utility consumption is compared with similar schools across the county. The best 25% across the country earn the Energy Star label.

Cherokee, Jefferson, Midvale, and Muir join Allied Drive Learning Center and Lapham Elementary as some of the best performing schools in the country.

We are able to reduce energy consumption with the help of the maintenance referendum that passed in 2005. We have been replacing old, inefficient equipment with new equipment and controls that reduce energy consumption. A great example is the use of motion sensors on lights. These motion sensors turn the lights off when students and staff are not present.

Comparing data from 2004 to 2005 (2006 data is not fully in yet,) the improvement is illustrated below.

BUILDING	2004 CONSUMPTION	2005 CONSUMPTION
Cherokee	4.463 KWH/sq ft	2.782 KWH/sq ft
Jefferson	111 KBTU/sq ft	84 KBTU/sq ft
Midvale	.52 therms/sq ft	.46 therms/sq ft
Muir	141 KBTU/sq ft	104 KBTU/sq ft

Several different units of measure are used here to illustrate the reduction of electricity, natural gas and a combination. Here are the definitions:

KWH — Kilo Watt Hours — measure of electrical consumption.

KBTU — Kilo British Thermal Units — a combined unit of measure adding both electricity and natural gas (heating) together to show total energy consumption in a building.

Therms — Measure of volume of natural gas.

Raising awareness in all MMSD schools helps to reduce our utility bills. Every dollar saved on utility bills is a dollar that can go into the classroom. If you want to help, TURN LIGHTS OFF when not in use.

For more information on Energy Star, click here.

Electronic ballasts, with T8 lamps, controlled by motion sensors, help save energy. In addition, new lights such as these at Midvale's cafeteria and halls, brightens areas considerably.


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