A new report from Energy Education in Dallas says that Michigans’ Lowell Schools saved 43 percent on energy over the course of 85 months. How? For one, by turning off the lights, one of the first things schools that partner with Energy Ed learn to do as a way to cut energy usage and reduce utility costs.
“Making sure you understand about lighting, computers, anything that plugs in that’s electrical,” said Jim White, energy manager for Lowell Public Schools, in an interview with Wyoming’s WZZM 13. “And then we move to more sophisticated areas like how buildings are managed when no one’s around. Like heating, lighting and air conditioning.”
The Lowell schools have managed to save $3,751,669 so far. The district with the next best savings is Jenison, which cut down on its energy use by 33 percent and saved more than $2 million over 69 months. Other Michigan schools have been following in their energy-saving footsteps, however, and several districts aren’t far behind when it comes to energy cutbacks. Cedar Springs School District has saved $1.2 million in just 73 months, and Forest Hills School District reports a savings of 25 percent, which equals an impressive $3,145,332 in only 56 months.