Evergreen Public Schools and Energy Star

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has named Evergreen Public Schools as a 2010 ENERGY STAR Partner of the Year for outstanding energy management and reductions in greenhouse gas emissions. Evergreen Public Schools' accomplishments were recognized at an awards ceremony in Washington, D.C. on March 18, 2010.  The 2010 Partner of the Year Awards recognized efforts to use energy efficiently in facility operations and to integrate superior energy management into overall organizational strategy. Award winners are selected from more than 17,000 organizations that participate in the ENERGY STAR program.

In 2009, the district was able to reduce its Greenhouse Gas to the equivalent of removing more than 300 cars from the road or planting more than 400 acres of trees.  "Evergreen Public Schools is leading the fight against climate change through greater energy efficiency," said Gina McCarthy, EPA Assistant Administrator for Air and Radiation. "Evergreen Public Schools' robust energy management program is a model for others and affirms that energy efficiency is our most cost-effective climate strategy."

Evergreen Public Schools an ENERGY STAR partner since February of 2009 was honored for strategic energy management and a commitment to save energy across its entire operation that resulted in significant energy and financial savings. Evergreen Public Schools is one of only two K-12 school districts being recognized. Across the United States, top companies and organizations are continuing to promote strategic energy management through participation in ENERGY STAR.

Evergreen Public Schools believes that working in partnership with ENERGY STAR to manage energy use is just good business.  By increasing the district’s energy efficiency, the district reduces its carbon footprint and saves money on its utility bills.  This makes more money available for the intended district mission of educating its students.

The district reduced the flow of money to local utilities by more than $1 million in 2009 by implementing numerous energy saving practices. These include:

• Utilizing demand meters at 15 sites to access real-time data for troubleshooting and problem solving.


• Removing more than 20,000 lamps (lights) throughout the district from over lit areas.


• Auditing building HVAC control schedules and correcting irregularities.


• Implementing a district-wide incentive program to focus attention of all building users on their role in conservation.


• Partnering with Clark PUD for lighting and HVAC retrofit projects.


• Installing web-based thermostats in a number of portable throughout the district, allowing the district to save up to 30 percent on energy use in those portables.