The Environmental Protection Agency launched the ENERGY STAR program in 1992 encouraging all commercial facilities to work towards a certification in lowered energy consumption impact. Buildings could be certified with a score of 70 or higher. In 2009 this school system had H I Solutions controls already installed in some buildings and began their Energy Star testing with a good rating of 83.4 out of 100.
As a part of a series of energy efficiency projects, the school system has made it a priority to implement the H I Solutions Field Commander energy management system and WattShaver analytics with every renovation or new building. The energy management system (EMS) implements a full range of sensors, controls, and software to optimize each building’s high-cost systems as well as providing insight and alerts into how efficiently these systems are operating.
By 2017 the ENERGY STAR rating across the school system was up to an astonishing 94.7 out of 100 with an estimated cost savings of $6.8 million per year. They continue to maintain outstanding Energy Star status with an estimated $102 million in savings since they began in 2009. The school system’s average kWh per square foot is currently 23% less than the national average energy use.
