Dist. 211 says energy efficiency paying off

Sure, it's cold outside, and heaters are going into overdrive, but the folks at Palatine-Schaumburg High School District 211 are happy with how the district is saving energy.

Earlier this month, District 211 received the Energy Excellence Award, recognizing the schools' reduction in energy using. The conservation plan saved District 211 $3.4 million.

The district enrolled in the program in November 2004, through a company called Energy Education Inc. The district's energy manager. Reece Thome, worked to reduce energy consumption by 20 percent during the 47-month reporting period.

The district paid Energy Education $25,000 per month to implement the program, and after deducting those costs, that means the district saved $1.8 million since Nov. 2004. The district cut costs including lighting, heating, cooling humidity control and mechanical and appliance systems.

District 211 consists of Conant, Fremd, Hoffman Estates, Palatine and Schaumburg high schools.