TPS putting its energy use under a microscope

Be it winter, spring or summer break, late nights and even the wee hours of the morning, TPS energy specialists go to work to save the district money on its utility bills.

Since its introduction in 2009, the energy savings initiative has netted the district nearly $3.4 million in utility bill savings and a 20.7 percent reduction in energy consumption.

"If we can fix the building environment and equipment problems, then employees and students are going to be comfortable and we're going to save money," said John Martin, energy specialist.

Reducing indoor humidity levels by updating equipment or fixing leaks is one of the primary strategies for keeping schools comfortable even at slightly higher or lower temperatures, depending on the season.

The district's target thermostat levels are 70 degrees during cold weather months and 73 during the summer.

One degree up or down saves an average of 2 percent. That makes a real difference whether that's two percent in your home or 2 percent times 40 units on a school building - that adds up in a hurry, Martin said.

Schools simply cannot afford to keep air conditioners and boilers running 24 hours a day, all year long, or to keep lights on in gymnasiums and auditoriums when they're not in use.

That means lights off in the afterhours and thermostats set to drop down to 60 or even 55 degrees. It also means that principals and school custodians are encouraged to choose wisely when scheduling an after-hours event.

"We've asked people to rethink using the auditorium or cafeteria for a PTA meeting with only 30 people," said Pete Worley, another TPS energy specialist.

"It's much more cost-efficient to use a smaller room for smaller functions. We are constantly communicating with them what we've learned and what we're trying to accomplish. Everyone benefits from the savings."

Energy use varies widely across the district because Tulsa's schools range in construction date from the 1920s to 2000s and roofing and window materials also vary in age and condition. But significant savings, ranging from 15 percent to 59 percent, has been documented at all sites.

In addition to employing new strategies and tips they learn from its consulting partner - Waco, Texas-based Energy Education Inc. - the TPS energy specialists respond to "comfort complaints" to investigate for leaks and drafts or clogged ducts and filters that may be causing facilities to stay too hot or cold.

They also monitor the utility use and bills for every single one of the district's 90 or so facilities like hawks.

For example, when a recent water bill for Carver Middle School showed usage was up to 8,000 gallons compared to the typical month's 1,800-2,200 gallons, they investigated and found a break in a fire hydrant line on the school grounds.

"In a case like that, we hope it's as simple as finding a muddy spot in the field," said specialist Tracy DeLaughter.

It took several months for Martin to learn the source of an additional 1,200 gallons of water use at the now-closed Cherokee Elementary School.

"We had checked and checked and checked and couldn't find anything. Then one night, I was driving around the back of the building and found that a neighbor was attaching a hose to one of the school's faucets and watering his garden and maybe several neighbors' gardens at night," Martin said.

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TPS Energy efficiency strategies you can use

• When computers and other electronics such as computer speakers, radios, CD players, etc. are not in use, shut them off completely. "Standby mode" causes unnecessary energy consumption.
• While you are away for extended periods, such as vacation, unplug microwaves, coffee pots, desk clocks, etc.
• During the daytime hours when everyone is away at work or school, lower your thermostat during winter months and raise it during the summer months. Completely shutting off your heating and air system can take too much time and energy for recovery to a comfortable level.
• Keep fan coils and coolers washed out and change air filters regularly.
• Run kitchen and bathroom exhaust fans only when in use to cut down on unnecessary loss of conditioned air.
• Check for gaps under doors and install door sweeps to eliminate any drafts you discover.
• Monitor your monthly bills for sudden increases in water usage, as they may indicate new leaks or line breaks.

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Andrea Eger 918-581-8470
andrea.eger@tulsaworld.com

Source: http://www.tulsaworld.com/site/articlepath.aspx?articleid=20111226_19_A1_ULNSrc917378&rss_lnk=1

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