While the world celebrates Earth Day (April 22) this month, Haysville USD 261 faculty, staff and students are participating as well, each one with a strong sense of satisfaction at having done his or her part to control energy use and to keep costs down.
During these tough budgetary times, Haysville USD 261 decided to combat the rising energy costs by implementing a comprehensive people-based energy conservation program throughout all its buildings and campuses.
Haysville USD 261 achieved more than $2,900,000 in savings through a 34.6% reduction in energy use over nine years. That savings translates into significant numbers for Earth Day, too.
Since Haysville USD 261 began the program, energy consumption has been reduced by 180,795 MMBTUs.
That reduction translates into the equivalent of 71,183 metric tons of carbon dioxide removed from the atmosphere, or 12,776 passenger cars removed from the road, or 1,820,719 trees planted. The cost of utilities is the second largest budget line-item for school districts, and the prices for electricity, natural gas, and water have steadily increased over the past few years.
For Earth Day, Haysville USD 261 plans to continue its efforts, and invite the public to join in. There are a number of resources available on the Internet that can help individuals learn how to save energy in their own homes. Including GreenQuest a free online energy tracking tool hosted on the districts website at www.mygreenquest.com/haysville261ks/.
It’s important for all of us to save energy. While most of the time we discuss it in terms of saving money, for Earth Day we encourage you to be concerned with our natural resources. Being good stewards of both our money and our environment gives us a great sense of satisfaction.
Clint Schutte
USD 261 Energy Manager