07.15.2010 Schools Use Rebates, Upgrades, and Buying Power to Lower Energy Costs

From The Centre Daily Time:

Two summers ago, State College Area School District staff members unplugged microwave ovens, computer monitors and other electrical appliances that weren’t being used.

They saved about $30,000 that year — enough to pay about half the salaries and benefits of a first-year teacher. The next year, the district saved $40,000.

“Please work with the Physical Plant staff, Computer Services staff and Food Service staff in your building to help find items that can be unplugged,” physical plant director Ed Poprik wrote in a memo to employees this spring. “The classic example of summer waste would be a refrigerator that runs all summer to keep a few condiments fresh. A list of other possible items is below. Every building is different and in order to be effective, this type of program requires close coordination.”

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