Policy: Energy Conservation and Management

LAKE REGION SCHOOL DISTRICT

Policy: Energy Conservation and Management

Students and staff of the Lake Region School District should be made aware of their responsibility regarding environmental stewardship and sustainability. We must make efficient use of our natural resources, all the while exercising sound financial management and good judgment in reaching our primary goal – the education of children in a welcoming and safe environment.

As part of our commitment to excellence we are establishing this policy which will identify and implement guidelines to improve energy consumption efficiency, reduce utility costs, optimize capital investment for energy efficiency, reduce environmental and greenhouse gas emissions and conserve natural resources.

This policy calls for a people-oriented approach to resource management, and it’s success is based on cooperation at all levels. The fulfillment of this policy is the joint responsibility of the School Board, administrators, teachers, support personnel and students, and shall be implemented throughout the entire District. Every student and employee is expected to help provide energy efficiency in our District. We should all be “energy savers” as well as “energy consumers”.

The District is committed to evaluating any energy saving procedures that do not negatively impact the educational environment, thereby providing continuing opportunities to improve the operational efficiencies of our facilities. Part of this process shall be to ensure that all new and replacement equipment purchased incorporates technology that maximizes energy efficiency, yet provides a suitable return on investment.

The School Board is responsible for the most effective use of public funds, and public education can demonstrate and shape positive behaviors related to energy management and efficient resource allocation. The School Board of Lake Region directs the superintendent and/or his/her designee to establish procedures to ensure the conservation of natural resources by personnel at all levels of the school system.

1. Lighting

Lighting will be turned off in any area that is unoccupied, except for corridors, stairwells and exits as required by code, or where necessary to maintain an appropriate level of safety.

Occupancy sensors in corridors will be set between 5 – 10 minutes.

Natural sunlight should be used in place of electrical light when available depending on area use and specifications.

Partial lighting will be used where available when only a portion of a room is occupied.

Lighting levels will be maintained in accordance with the Illuminating Engineering Society (IES) of North America standards:

Task Area Foot-Candles*

Corridors, stairways, restrooms 10-20

Storage Rooms 10-50

Conference Rooms 20-50

General Offices 30-50

Classrooms 30-50

Cafeterias 30-50

Gymnasiums 30-50

Parking Areas (uncovered) 1-2

*a measure of light intensity on a surface being illuminated. Defined as one lumen of light per one square foot of surface area.

IES lighting standards will be assessed and maintained through de-lamping and will be a consideration for remodeling and new construction projects.

Gym lights will be turned off if the area will be unoccupied. When physical education classes are held outside, gym lighting will be limited to minimal walking-through lighting.

Night custodians should turn lights on only in the area in which they are currently working.

2. Temperature Control

On regular school days, temperatures will be maintained for the entire building 30 minutes before the start of school until 30 minutes after dismissal. Special consideration will be given to certain special education classrooms when appropriate.

Areas Heating Season Cooling Season

Classrooms (grades k-12) 68-70 F 74-78 F

Gymnasiums and locker rooms 65-70 F 74-78 F

Offices 68-70 F 74-78 F

Shop Rooms 65-70 F 74-78 F

Halls 65-70 F 74-78 F

Kitchens and Cafeterias 65-70 F 74-78 F

(Temperatures are measured four feet above floor level in the center of the room)

Special accommodations may be made for occupants after review from the Facilities Committee and/or Facilities Director.

The Technology Coordinator along with the Facilities Director will work together to maintain an appropriate temperature for the network and server equipment rooms.

Night and school vacations setback temperatures should be 10 F lower than occupied times for all areas without scheduled events.

Staff and students are encouraged to dress appropriately for the season.

Main boilers will remain off after the heating season, unless minimal heat needed to maintain domestic water needs.

Windows should be kept closed during the heating season and when air-conditioning units are in operation.

After school hours, all classroom and office windows will be closed, and blinds and shades will be drawn when use is completed for the day.

Doors should be closed in unoccupied areas and classrooms to maintain room temperatures.

Exterior doors and inner vestibule doors shall not be blocked open unless there is a delivery in process.

3. Ventilation

All vents will be unobstructed to maintain proper airflow and function of the equipment.

Ventilation systems will be controlled to maintain the correct amount of air based on occupancy. Systems will be programmed to be in an Unoccupied state when school is not in session and/or during school vacations unless needed for events that are scheduled.

4. Scheduling

Early morning events, evening events or other scheduled activities will be concentrated to the minimal number of rooms or wings within a building and heating/cooling needs will be adjusted as required.

Large areas such as auditoriums and gymnasiums should not be used for small groups unless necessary.

5. Computers and other Electrical Equipment

Computers will be set with a 15-minute sleep-mode if equipped.

All staff are expected to shutdown their computers at the end of the day.

Computer monitors should be shut off when not in use.

Power management features will be activated on all office equipment (printers, copiers, for example) for those with the capability.

Office equipment will be shut down nightly.

Electronics and office equipment, with the exception of computers, should be unplugged during the summer.

Personal beverage makers, warmers and space heaters are restricted from school district facilities, unless authorized by the Facilities Director.

Refrigerators in the staff lounge, break rooms and science areas will be emptied and unplugged during the summer, unless in use for summer programs.

Vending machines (juice, water) not in use will be unplugged during the summer.

Vending machines will be de-lamped.

6. Kitchens

Appliance and equipment “on” times will be as close as possible to the actual use.

Ventilation fans should be used in conjunction with equipment use.

Refrigerator and freezer doors should remain closed as often as possible.

Unused kitchen equipment will be unplugged during the summer.

Freezers will be consolidated during the summer.

Upright freezers and walk-in coolers will be emptied and unplugged during the summer.

7. Water heating

Thermostats for hot water heaters will be set so water delivery temperature at all sinks will not exceed 110 to 120 F.

Thermostats for hot water heaters that service dishwashing equipment will be set at 180F.

8. Water conservation

Water leaks will be fixed as soon as possible.

Efficient water practices will be considered during ground irrigation.

9. Future Construction

Energy and water efficiency will be a consideration for all future remodeling and new construction projects.

ENERGY STAR products will be considered and comparisons will be made when purchasing any new equipment or appliances.