Nine Vancouver schools earned the Energy Star for their contributions to protecting the environment through energy efficiency. Sarah J. Anderson, Chinook, Felida, Hazel Dell, Lincoln, Minnehaha and Washington elementary schools; Alki Middle School; and the GATE House all earned energy scores of 75 or higher to garner this recognition by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Energy. Each school received a large Energy Star plaque to display.
“This is a team effort, involving building operators, maintenance staff, parents, students, and staff at each school,” said George Bryant, director of transportation and capital projects. Since 2001, the district has saved 6 million kilowatt hours a year—a savings of $300,000 annually. Consumption has dropped from 32 million kilowatt hours to 26 million kilowatt hours per year.
“Just last night at the League of Women Voters forum, I was asked about what we can do locally in our own district to save money. It is the collective action of all our employees putting ideas in action like this that helps enormously,” said board member Mark Stoker. “This is great work!”
(Pictured above, on left: Representatives from the nine schools accept the Energy Star Awards. Right: Tim North, Bob Riches and Gary Morrison receive special recognition for their leadership.)