6810 - Energy Management, Education and Conservation

The district recognizes the responsibility to develop and maintain programs to support the conservation of energy and natural resources. In recognition of this leadership responsibility, the district will strive to (a) institute effective energy management and (b) provide information and develop conservation attitudes and skills for the students it serves. To achieve the objectives of energy management, the district will appoint a team representing the board, administration, staff, students, parents and utility representatives to develop and review plans for efficient energy management in the daily operation of the district's facilities. The committee will have the responsibility to:

1. Assess past and present energy consumption practices;
2. Review current operational and maintenance practices;
3. Study operation changes designed to reduce consumption and related costs;
4. Examine the feasibility of retrofitting alternatives for existing facilities as a result of engineering studies and reports;
5. Provide periodic reports and/or recommendations to the superintendent and board;
6. Monitor the energy management measures which are implemented;
7. Ensure, through a monitoring process, that instruction in energy use and conservation is incorporated into the district's program.

The district, as part of its educational mission, desires to foster the conservation ethic among the students. To achieve the objectives of the energy education program, instructional activities will be designed to change the student's perceptions of the supply and costs of natural resources which, in turn, will stimulate skill building to effect responsible conservation behavior in students. As part of the educational process, students will be encouraged to assess the energy consumption policies of the school as a means of applying knowledge and skill.

The superintendent is authorized to establish annual energy management goals, annual energy education goals, and extrinsic rewards to school buildings in recognition of conservation accomplishments. The superintendent will make periodic and annual evaluation reports to the board.

Energy Conservation

In light of the increasing cost and dwindling supply of conventional energy sources, a life cycle cost analysis will be required of each major construction project. A life cycle cost analysis will include a description of:

1. Insulation and heat retention factors;
2. Variable occupancy and operating conditions to be incurred by the facility;
3. Overall supply and demand of the facility's energy system and actual or potential utilization of outside energy sources, such as climate;
4. Initial cost of energy plant; and
5. An energy consumption analysis comparing alternative energy systems.

As part of its commitment to energy conservation, the district will consider the use of at least one renewable energy system such as solar energy, wind or wood or wood waste, geothermal, or other nonconventional fuels in any construction or renovation project.

 

Cross References:

District Policy 2020 - Curriculum Development and Adoption of Instructional Materials

District Policy 6923 - Energy Conservation

 

Legal References:

Chapter 39.35 RCW Energy conservation in design of public facilities

 

Management Resources:

2011– October Issue

 

Adoption Date:  December 19, 2005

Revised Date: July 24, 2024

 

Administrator Responsibilities: