Energy Management Program saves

Energy Management Program saves
Savings support district's bottom line
The trend of cutting energy usage and saving on utility costs continues in year 12 of the district's Energy Management Program, according to a report to school board members Monday, Feb. 6 from program manager John Butenhoff.

Despite witnessing more than 80 percent increases in electricity, gas and water fees over the 12 years since the program began, the district managed to save $315,450 based on cost avoidance formulas due to conservative use of these resources. The district has trimmed usage 24 percent since the program was implemented in October of 1999.

Butenhoff said over the course of the program the district has saved $3.3 million dollars. Many of these dollars have been reinvested in district equipment and operations to maximize future savings. Improved water meters, lighting, HVAC control units and irrigation systems are just a few examples of how the dollars generated from savings have been put to use.

Walla Walla High School continues to be the district's most inefficient school when it comes to utility usage. Butenhoff refers to the schools as "the beast" due to its consumption. He said Wa-Hi's HVAC systems, lighting and type of construction are outdated and not efficient. He thanked staff for their support of the program and attention to detail in energy conservation practices.