Schools Awarded For Going Green

, and elementary schools in Shakopee were awarded the federal government's 2011 Energy Star rating for conserving their use of heating, cooling and energy-consuming equipment.

The three schools' head custodians, Dave Petricka, Terry Stier and Mary Schmitt, were recognized for their leadership in keeping their buildings operating with a 35 percent savings in energy use compared to the average energy use of school buildings around the country. At the School Board meeting Monday, John Gates, Shakopee schools' buildings and grounds manager, gave each custodian the Energy Star plaque to display at their schools. 

Gates said all nine Shakopee school buildings accomplished energy savings but those three schools in particular rated high enough to be awarded Energy Star status. Overall, he said the school district saved $440,000, or about 10 percent, in energy cost savings in 2010-11.

New, energy-saving lights in the district's gymnasiums and classrooms were installed, an investment that will start paying the district back in cost savings in two years, said Gates. Hundreds of equipment fans were retrofitted to work more efficiently and the boiler's steam trap in the Central Family Center building was replaced, all adding up in conservation, he said.

Custodians, students and teachers have been diligent in keeping lower temperatures during cold months and higher temperatures during warm month, shutting off electricity when it's not needed and closing window shades when it's sunny to save on air conditioning power.

“It takes a lot of work on everybody's part,” said Gates.