North Shore School District 112 Continues to Reduce Energy Consumption

The comprehensive energy management program that North Shore School District 112 implemented 18 months ago continues to help the district save money and benefit the environment.  From December, 2010 through January, 2012, the latest period that savings have been calculated, the district reduced its energy costs by more than $450,000, and reduced its carbon dioxide emissions by the equivalent of 3,233 metric tons. 

“We are very proud that the energy savings program that our district embarked on at the end of 2010 continues to both positively impact our bottom line and help the environment,” said North Shore School District 112 Superintendent of Schools David L. Behlow. 

The reduction in greenhouse gas emissions resulting from the decreased energy use translates to the equivalent of removing 580 automobiles from the road for one year, or planting 82,687 trees. 

Expected natural gas and electricity costs for the time period calculated were about $1,350,000, said North Shore School District 112 Energy Education Specialist Gianni Perrelli.  This was based on a comprehensive analysis of the prior year’s utility bills and took into account factors such as temperature fluctuations and changes in natural gas and electric rates.  Actual costs for the period were about $900,000, he said, a savings of more than 33 percent.  The district has been working in partnership with Energy Education, which specializes in helping schools and other large organizations reduce their energy consumption.