Utility savings reach $1 million in Dist. 300

In 2004, Community Unit District 300 launched an ambitious program designed to save millions in utility costs over an 11-year period.

Three years later, District 300 already has saved more than $1 million, with 15 of 18 buildings in the district exceeding their energy-saving goals last year.

The district has been able to save about $1.1 million in utility costs since 2004 with a two-pronged strategy of upgrading facilities and obtaining energy at favorable rates.

The district's energy conservation program is being spearheaded by Johnson Controls of Milwaukee and David Ulm, District 300's energy management coordinator.

District 300 hired both Johnson Controls and Ulm during the summer of 2004. Johnson went to work to upgrade school facilities to use energy more efficiently.

Wasteful toilets were replaced with low-flow models. Motion-activated faucets replaced manual faucets. Automation systems were installed so administrators could turn off heating and cooling systems when buildings weren't in use.

The other part of the energy savings equation came in the form of cheaper natural gas and electricity. The district now purchases both through Constellation New Energy, which buys energy in bulk at much lower rates.

"Basically, we're getting it at wholesale price instead of retail," Ulm said.

The district also monitors its natural gas reserves. Ulm watches the market and purchases a month's worth of gas -- the maximum the district is allowed to store -- when prices are low.

In the first year of the program, the 2005-06 school year, the district spent $428,000 less than it did a year earlier. Last year, the district's energy costs were almost $670,000 less than they were in 2004-05.

District 300 held a picnic Aug. 17 to recognize the schools that had saved the most. The Hampshire High/ Middle school campus was the top performer district-wide, recording a 26 percent drop in utility costs last year.

The energy conservation plan also stipulates the district has to prove it can save money without sacrificing comfort. It has done this by distributing comfort surveys to every room in the district and adjusting room temperatures if it's too cold or too hot.

District 300 has a unique contract with Johnson Controls under which Johnson pays for the facility upgrades and the district repays the consultant over 11 years with the energy savings.

So far, the contract has worked out well.

"Half a millions dollars -- that's four or five teachers' salaries," Ulm said. "It's just money that we're not spending."

Energy champions

Community Unit District 300 recently recognized the schools that reduced utility costs the most in the 2006-07 school year.

• The Hampshire High School and Middle School campus saved 26 percent, or $53,712, the most of any building in the district

• Dundee Middle School saved 17 percent, or $40,878, the best among middle schools.

• Dundee Highlands Elementary saved 22 percent, or $9,266, top among elementary schools.

Source: District 300 Energy Management Coordinator David Ulm