ECA Energy Consevation/Management in Schools

Energy Conservation/Management in the Schools

 The Board recognizes the importance of energy conservation in effectively managing school unit finances and in preserving the nation’s natural resources.  Regional School Unit 1 will strive to use energy as efficiently as practicable while maintaining a safe and comfortable environment for students and staff.   

The Board believes that an increased environmental awareness is an essential element of responsible citizenship.  An understanding of energy use and its relationship to economics and natural resources and of the effects of energy production on the environment is essential. The instructional program should include age-appropriate activities designed to increase student understanding of the costs and benefits of energy use, aware of the difference between sustainable and non-renewable resources, and the effects of energy production on the supply of natural resources. 

Energy Conservation/Management 

The Superintendent or designee shall be responsible for implementing procedures to encourage conservation and efficient energy management.   

Such procedures may include but are not limited to: 

            A.         Review of past and present energy consumption in school unit facilities; 

            B.         Review of current operational and maintenance practices; 

            C.        Development of district-wide conservation guidelines with identified goals and objectives and recommendations for action; 

            D.        Conducting “energy audits” of school unit facilities; 

            E.         Maintenance of equipment on a regular basis in order to secure maximum energy savings over the life of the equipment; 

            F.         Implementation of no-cost or low-cost building maintenance, equipment, and appliance use procedures to reduce consumption of energy; 

            G.        Implementation of “no idling” protocols for school buses; 

            H.        Monitoring of conservation/energy management measures that are implemented; 

            I.          Providing information related to energy consumption, the cost of energy, and results of efforts to reduce energy use to school administrators, the Board, and the community;  

            J.         Taking into consideration budgetary restraints, making recommendations to the Board concerning long-range strategies, including preventive maintenance, equipment upgrades, and replacement and retrofitting alternatives for school facilities.

     

Adopted:  February 24, 2025