School Energy Program Wins EPA Awards

The school district's energy conservation program has received the most Energy Star awards from the federal government of any school district in New Jersey.

The Board of Education was briefed on the energy plan and the awards during Tuesday evening's meeting. The program, which has been in place for three years, netted awards from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, for Roosevelt Intermediate School, Edison Intermediate School, Tamaques School and Franklin School for 2009. The awards were given by the EPA for scoring in the top 25-percent in energy conservation based on meter readings.

According to school district energy manager Michael Pate, out of the 2,500 schools in New Jersey, nine have received Energy Star awards from the EPA, with four being in Westfield. Rumson Fair Haven Regional High School has received one award, the Montgomery Township Board of Education has received two awards and the Bridgewater-Raritan Regional Board of Education has received two awards.

Pate noted that McKinley School and Westfield High School came close to receiving the awards, falling short due to a discrepancy on the meter readings.

Pate said in the three year life span of the program, the school district has netted $1,005,813 in energy savings. He estimated that in a 10 year period, the district will be able to save $5 million in energy costs.

"It translates into a huge environmental impact as well," Pate said of the savings, noting that it equates to planting 81,667 tree seedlings or taking 573 cars off the road.

The plan has included incorporating students and teachers into the program, by encouraging turning off lights and computers and walking around the building making sure doors are closed, etc. The meeting featured principals from the four award winning schools speaking briefly about the energy conservation programs in their buildings. Many cited the work of the students and teachers in implementing conservation policy.

"This was a team effort," Franklin School Principal Eileen Cambria said. "In addition to the staff, the children got involved. They are naturals in shutting down the lights and computers."