District 87 wants to lighten up its energy costs

Students and teachers may see new, more energy-efficient lighting in the fall of 2008 at Glenbard High School District 87 schools.

The school board is considering spending roughly $10 million on various energy conservation measures over the next few years. In return, they expect to save that much money within about a decade.

In the first year, school officials and consultants propose to spend about $1.2 million on more energy-efficient lights. If approved, they would be installed next summer.

The cost of some of the work, such as lighting in Glenbard West and Glenbard East high school gymnasiums, would not be recouped for as many as 11 years. But other lights, in the Glenbard East and North high school cafeterias, would pay for themselves in savings within five years.

The various changes would save the district roughly $150,000 a year, with the full $1.2 million first-year expense recouped in just over eight years. The updates with quicker payback would offset those requiring a longer amount of time.

"Technology is opening a lot of opportunities today," board member Tom Voltaggio said. "We're going to reap dividends out of this."

The district spends an estimated $1.9 million on energy each year, which translates into $1.20 per square foot, said Robert Verisario, director of buildings and grounds.

With prices for utilities expected to increase, "we need to accelerate our attack on energy consumption and costs," Verisario said.

The board also is mulling a multiyear plan for technology.

The proposal estimates an off-site data warehouse system, Internet and new servers would cost about $235,000 in 2007-2008. Replacement of software, computers and related equipment adds up to between an estimated $445,000 and $600,000 for each subsequent year.

The board plans to discuss both plans at an upcoming meeting.