Bethel School District believes deeply in energy conservation, especially when Bethel’s 28 schools represent over two million square feet of floor space.

The Bethel School District sees energy conservation as a positive, effective way to help the environment, while reducing operating costs. In 2005, the District entered into a partnership with Energy Education, Inc., a company based in Texas.  An Energy Manager was hired to implement a comprehensive energy program. A key element of the program’s success has been to make sure that equipment, lights and computers are not on when school buildings are not in use.  This is achieved through a combination of staff training and building auditing.  By promoting energy savings and teaching people to make good everyday energy decisions, the district is creating a culture of conservation.

The results of the energy program have been significant. Over the last seven years alone, the Bethel School District has saved $3.9 million in utility costs and reduced kilowatt usage by over 41 million kilowatts. This is equivalent to two years of actual electricity usage for all 28 district schools.

The Energy Reduction Impact on the environment has been significant.  The reduction in usage is the equivalent of 17,134 metric tons of CO2, or taking 3,075 passenger cars off the road for one year, or 438,243 tree seedlings grown for 10 years.

Bethel Schools became an ENERGY STAR partner in 2005. Through the ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager, the district has shown a 16% energy reduction, with an average overall portfolio rating of 79 for the 24 eligible buildings, which participate in the program. This year, 18 out of 24 eligible schools earned the ENERGY STAR label, which has further validated the district’s efforts to conserve.

Additional help and training for the district’s energy program has been obtained through local partnerships, including: the Washington State University Extension Energy Program, the state of Washington General Administration office and local utility companies.

Energy Conscience Links

• Bethel School District’s Conservation Efforts
• Cash for Appliances
• Recycle Electronics
• Pierce County Recycle Information
• Bulb Recycling
• Energy Star

For questions or comments, contact Michael Knaack at (253) 683-6042 or send an email.

 

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