GREEN SCHOOLS Energy Project Ferndale Public Schools Mary

GREEN SCHOOLS Energy Project Ferndale Public Schools Mary Araujo-Pedroza, Sue Clippert, Lauren Wells

Why Go GREEN? • • • Ferndale Public Schools currently spends approximately $143. 00 per student on utilities in a fiscal year. 4, 500 students x $143 = $643, 500 If we could reduce our per student expenditure by 25%, we would recognize approximately $160, 875 in savings per fiscal year.

Ferndale Begins The Energy Saving Process • • Director of Operations consulted with three Energy Management companies; Honeywell, Ener. Watch Systems, K&S Ventures Presented findings to the Superintendent Board of Education presentation and discussion Board of Education approval

Recommendations From K&S Ventures • • Adopt an Energy Policy Optimize Equipment Energy Management Goals Energy Demand Limits Tracking Energy Usage Monthly Energy Usage Goals Remember Efficiency, Comfort, and Safety

Proposed Energy Policy • • • Establish heating and cooling set points Establish building run-times Establish monthly goals for utility usage Address how you are going to buy energy Educate staff on energy saving practices Set up a preventive maintenance program

Actions Taken • • • District Energy Policy in process Created heating and cooling set points Established building run times Educated staff Joined MISEC (Michigan Schools Energy Cooperative)

Results • • • Charges for gas and electric reduced by joining MISEC Custodial/Maintenance Staff conserves energy by using less lighting while cleaning New building usage schedules created to optimize energy usage-HVAC equipment runs 50% less Energy usage is now being tracked Energy bills have been reduced

Building Modifications • • Upgraded monitoring systems controlling room temperature in six of our nine buildings Through a DTE Grant-Replaced lighting in FHS gym with energy efficient units Updated heating and cooling systems (units in the classrooms) Replaced Steam Traps

Earning Green Status • • • Effective May 22, 2006 - Public Act 146 Schools must document participation in 10 out of 20 specified “green” activities Schools must submit documentation as part of their yearly application for “Green Status” Emerald Status = 10 of 20 plus 5 additional Evergreen Status = 10 of 20 plus 10 additional

Two Ferndale Schools Earn Green Status • • Ferndale Middle School and Kennedy Elementary both achieved Green Status this year Recycles paper, printer cartridges, batteries, and cell phones Reused magazines and newspapers Created a birdhouse habitat project Adopted endangered species-Panda and Manatee through the World Wildlife Federation Observed Earth Day- April Created Ecology Club- Green Beans

FMS Green Beans • • Performed Education Outreach focusing on www. 350. org 350 ppm is the safe upper limit for carbon dioxide in the atmosphere and currently we’re at 390 ppm. Goal of www. 350. org is a worldwide effort to lower carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. FMS students participated in 350 day by building a human 350, taking a picture, and submitting it to the organization.

Future Plans • • Adopt an Energy Policy Continue implementation of Energy Management System Conduct workshops to educate students and staff on energy saving practices. (Avondale example) Last Resort!!! Discontinue use of personal refrigerators, microwaves, coffee pots, etc…

Recommendations 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. All FPS schools achieve Green School status in the next 3 years. Join The Rebuild Michigan Program- Michigan Suburbs Alliance Build partnership between middle school and high school ecology clubs. Develop CTE programs that focus on Green Jobs and renewable energy. Break the “It’s always been that way” attitude Fully implement K&S Ventures Recipe for Successful Energy Management Integrate Energy Conservation into curriculum at all levels

Making Energy Savings a Reality Business Managers need to: 1. Gather information about energy savings through an Energy Audit 2. Develop an energy management plan with operations manager outlining district and building goals 3. Explore merging technology with energy management 4. Stay on top of grant opportunities for energy projects 5. Invest in energy efficient equipment as part of replacement plan for dated equipment 6. Adopt green policies/guidelines for design, construction, and renovation of school facilities

Making Energy Savings a Reality cont. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. Provide funding for professional development to educate staff and students Be able to document and communicate the facts about projected savings versus real savings to present to the Superintendent Knowledgeable about district and state policies and regulations in regards to energy use and conservation practices Knowledgeable about district biding and contracting policies Use products or companies that have a high green rating when making purchases for the district

Making Energy Savings a Reality cont. 12. 13. 14. 15. Work with building principals to implement and monitor energy conservation efforts Develop partnerships with the community and energy organizations as a way of bringing attention to energy initiatives and practices Create a “Green Report” recognizing cost savings and goal attainment Maintain transparency through accurate and updated records on energy consumptions and associated costs

References Davis, M. R. (2008, October 20). Digital Directions: Goin. Green. Retrieved October 2008, from Educations Week's Digital Directions: http: //www. edweek. org/dd/articles/2008/10/20/02 green Department of Energy, Labor & Economic Growth. (2010). Retrieved April 2010, from DELEG-Michigan Suburbs Alliance: http: //www. mighigan. gov/dleg Guthrie, J. W. , Hart, C. C. , Ray, J. R. , Candoli, I. C. , & Hack, W. G. (2008). Modern school business administration: a planning approach. Boston, MA: Pearson Education, Inc. Rebuild America. (2005, November 29). Retrieved January 2006, from Energy Smart Schools: http: //www. energysmartschols. gov

Going Green Saves Green