Stevenson looks for even more ways to save energy

A recent analysis of Stevenson High School's energy consumption could help officials at the already environmentally conscious Lincolnshire facility become even greener.

The report - prepared by the Loyalton Group, a Minnesota firm that helps building owners implement more-effective energy strategies - measured how campus events, transportation activities, grounds management and other factors affected the school's emissions of greenhouse gases, the chemicals that increase atmospheric temperatures and contribute to global warming.

Stevenson officials plan to use the report, which the full board could review July 21, to develop energy-saving efforts and reduce such emissions.

"It's a starting point for us," board member Merv Roberts said.

BEGIN_ATTRIBUTIONStevenson has taken several earth-friendly steps this year.END_ATTRIBUTION

In March, officials expanded recycling efforts. The school now recycles more than half its trash, officials said.

"Before that, our efforts to recycle could be classified as token," Stevenson spokesman Jim Conrey said.

This spring, a garden was installed on the roof above an environmental-science classroom. By absorbing sunlight, it's expected to keep the room cooler and reduce electricity usage.

Students will monitor the room's temperature and compare it to the room next door, which doesn't have a garden.

Similarly, solar panels will be installed on the roof this summer to generate power for a different environmental-science room. Students will monitor how much energy the panels create.

Officials also are considering using paper-based products in the school's cafeteria areas, rather than polystyrene products that take longer to break down, contain toxins and are not easily recyclable.

The Loyalton Group report targeted Stevenson's greenhouse gas emissions, which combine to create what's often called a carbon footprint.

It indicated the largest source of emissions at the school was building energy, a category covering the power needed for heat, light, air conditioning and other amenities. Building energy was responsible for more than 54 percent of the school's total emissions, the report said.

Transportation and equipment ranked second at nearly 28 percent. School events ranked third at nearly 18 percent.

The school should now find ways to reduce those greenhouse gas emissions, the report recommended. Immediate steps could include no- or low-cost options, such as turning off lights, using window shades, cleaning filters, and carpooling, the report said.

"Can we help people car-pool? Can we work with our bus company to reduce the energy our bus company uses?" board member Terry Moons said. "That's the kind of thing we want to encourage."

Additionally, Loyalton said district officials should pursue funding sources that can be used for energy-saving efforts, such as the grants that paid for the garden and solar-panel projects.

Officials should also audit the building's energy performance and regularly report energy-related activities, the report said.

Stevenson's green initiatives aren't just good for the planet, Roberts said.

"There's also the potential to save money, which is good for the school," he said.