The guide allows users to adapt and implement suggested O&M (operating and maintaining) strategies to address specific energy efficiency goals. It recognizes and expands on existing tools and resources that are widely used throughout the high-performance school industry. The guide is organized into the following sections: (1) Chapter 1:…

Discusses performance service contracts between educational facilities and energy services companies, in which the company provides the money for energy-efficiency improvements and the school pays the company an annual fee. The company guarantees the savings will meet or exceed the fee. (EV)

Explains how using window film is a cost-effective way to shield buildings from heat, glare, and ultraviolet rays. The pros and cons of replacement windows and window film are highlighted. (GR)

The Energy Star Buildings program assists school districts in reducing energy costs. Traditional and creative funding opportunities are outlined. For the voluntary program, the Environmental Protection Agency provides no-cost technical support, software, workshops, technology updates, and other tools to all participants. (MLF)

Offers tips on energy efficiency and building design that can help schools reduce operating costs, improve academic performance, address health and safety issues, and protect the environment. (EV)

This article argues that nearly all college and university business and facilities officers can find utility efficiency projects on campus that have at least a 20 percent rate of return on investment, and successfully incorporate them into budgets. These projects are generally more successful when plant operations can retain some or all of the…

Discusses the importance of paying attention to facility requirements when selecting windows during a school building retrofit. Facility requirements to consider include security needs, lighting, energy conservation, and ease the cost of maintenance. (GR)

Discusses reversing the trend of school-building deterioration and inefficient energy usage through the Rebuild America program. Explains what Rebuild America is and why schools should join the program. Also provided are overviews of successful programs involving schools. (GR)

Illustrates how Mount Saint Vincent University (Halifax), by upgrading the control and monitoring of one building or section of the school at a time, could produce savings in energy and operating costs and improve the environment. Explains a gradual, "building block" approach to facility automation that provides flexibility without a…

An informal survey of 20 major urban school districts found that 40% were currently operating in a "break down" maintenance mode. A majority, 57.9%, also indicated they saw considerable benefits in contracting for heating, ventilating, and air conditioning (HVAC) maintenance services with outside firms. Offers guidelines in selecting…

Explains the importance of using geothermal systems to reduce energy costs and improve heating and cooling in multipurpose schools. What geothermal systems are and their benefits in simplifying the school infrastructure and streamlining operating costs are highlighted. (GR)

With little or relatively modest investment, schools being refurbished or undergoing maintenance can make disproportionately large gains in energy efficiency that can also result in large financial savings. This document offers guidance on the selection of appropriate measures that can improve a facility's energy efficiency, depending on the type…

A conservation program is credited with saving schools $9 million in Portland, Oregon, over the last eight years. Effective retrofits include a computerized energy-management system, new lighting, and credit meters in school sprinkling systems. Teachers incorporate energy conservation into classrooms by encouraging students to conduct energy…

The problems of deferred maintenance and decaying campus infrastructure have troubled higher education for the past two decades. This book, designed to be a tool for facilities managers, describes a process for inspecting and reporting conditions of buildings and infrastructure. The audit process is meant to be a routine part of maintenance…

Presents discussions on the top 10 issues facing colleges and universities in 1998 and beyond. Issues include the impact of the Americans with Disabilities Act, new construction and renovation in response to facility demands, facility maintenance within tightening budgets, energy costs, school funding needs in the face of rising enrollment,…