Results
Enhanced the energy savings achieved by the GESA, and helped to create a cultural shift within the schools to sustain the energy (and cost) savings over time.
In 2013, Bob McGreevy, now with PES, provided Level 3 audit and design services for 5 schools in the District, as part of an Energy Performance contract, also known as a Guaranteed Energy Savings Agreement (GESA). This required detailed engineering analysis of all facilities, along with financial analysis that was used as the basis of the energy performance guarantee provided by CM3 Building Solutions. In this agreement, the project was financed from the energy savings, with CM3 providing a guarantee that the energy cost savings would exceed the annual financing principal and interest charges.
In addition, in a program managed by Dianne Herrin, Practical Energy Solutions (PES) has delivered an Energy + Resource Conservation Program to the students, teachers, and staff of the Garnet Valley School District. This 2-year program was designed to achieve two goals:
- Help everyone in the district’s school buildings comprehend the benefits of the energy efficiency work performed throughout the district as part of the Phase 1 GESA project. This includes the tremendous direct benefits to the district (i.e., utility cost savings, enhanced work environment due to improved lighting and thermal comfort, reduced labor hours for equipment maintenance, and more reliable building operation) and the significant positive impact on the district’s environmental footprint.
- Educate and empower everyone in the district’s school buildings take part in this effort by doing what they can to enhance and sustain these energy savings. This has been performed through an energy conservation/ behavioral change program, which included annual motivational presentations to staff, regular e-newsletters, student assemblies, in-class presentations, hands-on learning projects, and participation in the middle school energy and health fairs.
During the second year of the program, PES joined in partnership with ASI Comprehensive Waste Management, Inc., to include information and education about the district’s new recycling program. As a result, we expanded the program into a broader “Sustainable Schools Program.”
Program Benefits
A main benefit of this program is that it enhances the energy savings achieved by the GESA, and helps to create a cultural shift within the schools that will help to sustain the energy (and cost) savings over time. Without the buy-in and continued involvement of building occupants, energy use will tend to creep up over time. Throughout the course of the program, PES has emphasized the power of each individual to affect positive change in his environment. The Garnet Valley Middle School Energy Ninjas are a case-in-point. Thanks to teacher Carolyn Kunze, who gave PES the opportunity to work with her 7th-grade science students, PES was able to regularly visit and work with students on hands-on energy conservation projects. PES also took every opportunity to participate in existing initiatives (i.e., energy and health fairs, environmental clubs), and to maximize opportunities presented by teachers and principals by providing in-class curricular instruction to all 7th grade health students.