District 200 has an active energy conservation program that has already achieved more than $950,000 savings through a 22 percent reduction in energy use over 14 months.
These savings translate into significant numbers for the celebration of Earth Day. Since District 200 began the program, energy consumption has been reduced by 54,600 MMBTUs (a thousand, thousand BTU’s).
That reduction translates into the equivalent of 6,260 tons of carbon dioxide removed from the atmosphere, or 1,124 passenger cars removed from the road for a full year, or 160,166 new trees planted.
For Earth Day, District 200 plans to continue its efforts and invites the public to join in.
Colin A. Wilkie, District 200’s Energy Operations Manager, said there are a number of resources available on the internet that can help individuals learn how to save energy in their own homes.
“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 encourages people to be concerned with our natural resources. Being good stewards of both our money and our environment gives all the district staff and students a great sense of satisfaction,” said Colin Wilkie.
The cost of utilities is the second largest budget line item for District 200, and the prices for electricity, natural gas, sewer and water have steadily increased over the past few years.
To combat these rising energy and utility costs, the district entered into a partnership with Energy Education to implement a comprehensive people-based energy conservation program throughout all its buildings.
Energy Education guarantees the conservation program will save taxpayer dollars, save jobs, and preserve important programs while saving vital natural resources that are critically important during these challenging economic times.
Mr. Wilkie added, “The long term impact on our environment is based on what we can accomplish now, and over the last 14 months, District 200 has become a leader in making a significant contribution towards a greener future for everyone.”
