Districts Approved for Participation in Energy Conservation Program
May 24, 2012 (COLUMBUS) – Three Ohio school districts have been approved for participation in a program designed to produce significant energy conservation savings.
The Ohio School Facilities Commission (OSFC) gave its approval at its May 24, 2012 meeting to projects in the Campbell City (Mahoning County), South Euclid Lyndhurst City (Cuyahoga County), and Bloom Carroll Local (Fairfield County) school districts. The projects will be completed under the Commission’s Energy Conservation program, more commonly known as the H.B. 264 program. The three districts expect to see over $210,000 in annual savings through the planned improvements.
“Reducing energy costs and consumption is a major goal for school districts,” said OSFC Executive Director Richard M. Hickman. “The $210,000 in annual savings generated through the HB 264 program will allow these three districts to upgrade their facilities and become more energy efficient. Furthermore, the energy savings will cover the cost of the financing used to fund the projects."
The Campbell City project will involve upgrades to lighting and building controls, along with other energy improvements in two buildings. The district estimates $76,884 in annual energy and operational savings.
The South Euclid Lyndhurst City project will include lighting upgrades to eight buildings, along with other improvements. The district estimates $73,800 in annual energy and operational savings.
The Bloom Carroll Local project will involve upgrades to lighting and building controls in three buildings, along with boiler replacements. The district projects $50, 926 in annual savings.
About OSFC
Established in 1997, the Commission is responsible for administration of the state’s school construction and renovation program. The Commission is currently working with, or has completed all necessary work in, over half of the state’s 613 school districts. As of January 1, 2012, the Commission had opened 919 new or renovated buildings and had completely addressed the facilities needs of 214 districts across the state.
All school buildings currently being designed or built with OSFC funds seek certification under the U.S. Green Building Council’s LEED® for Schools rating system. This national benchmark for high performing, energy efficient buildings provides parents, teachers and the community with verification that the school has been built to meet a high level of energy and environmental performance. Schools in districts approved for OSFC funding are being designed to meet at least LEED Silver Certification, with a goal of meeting the LEED Gold level. Two Ohio schools have achieved Platinum status, the highest certification level. In addition, 17 districts have achieved Gold certification, with another 12 obtaining Silver Certification.