Saving energy through energy efficiency improvements can cost less than generating, transmitting, and distributing energy from power plants, and provides multiple economic and environmental benefits. Local governments can promote energy efficiency in their jurisdictions by developing and implementing strategies that improve the efficiency of…

Energy conservation measures have led to airtight buildings and reduced levels of ventilation resulting in indoor air pollution. Five kinds of contaminants--tobacco smoke, combustion products, microorganisms, organic compounds, and radon--are described, their hazards considered, and countermeasures outlined. (MLF)

Fourteen million students attend schools needing extensive repair or remodeling. It is estimated that U.S. schools will require as much as $112 billion to bring them up to a good overall condition and an additional $12 billion to comply with federal mandates. This book compiles what is considered the best maintenance and operations articles that…

School districts across the country are putting an emphasis on education and an end to wasted resources by becoming energy efficient. Lists tips to improve schools' energy use and lists some federal, state, and nonprofit programs available to help schools improve their energy management. (MLF)

The city of Kitchener, Ontario, has installed a heat recovery loop in one indoor pool, all indoor swimming pools use pool covers, and two have solar heating. Energy is saved in two ice arenas by low-emissivity ceilings, and in the largest arena by a heat recovery system. (MLF)

This booklet examines the purchasing choices which will be available with the introduction of full competition for all electricity and gas supplies in the United Kingdom, giving schools the chance to make significant savings on energy costs. The guide offers detailed purchasing information on such topics as tariff structures, contract energy…

Growing numbers of colleges and universities are making the leap to renewable energy. Some are not only saving money--they're making money on their renewable energy purchases. This guide, written by two energy consultants, walks readers through the process of evaluating the various technologies, ownership options, relationships with utilities, and…

An Ontario school board found the factors necessary for the establishment of an effective decentralized energy management program to be training, a program of reinforcement, and the development of an overall attitude that encourages involvement. (MLF)

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)

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…

It is noted that federal deregulation of the electrical utility industry will allow colleges and universities to buy electrical services from suppliers who provide the best reliability and cost combination. Considerations are examined for the following options: purchasing an existing electrical substation, building a new substation, using on-site…

This manual is a guide for performing energy audits in school buildings using low- and no-cost measures found effective in Minnesota. The manual helps school maintenance and administrative personnel conduct walk-through inspections of school buildings, focusing on the energy efficiency of their equipment and operations. The measures recommended…

A compendium of energy ideas and concepts, primarily concerning natural gas and electricity, that have been implemented within the Columbus (Ohio) Public School system. (MLF)

Since 1980 an Ohio school district, by combining new technologies and equipment, new funding mechanisms, and common sense, has been able to reduce energy-related costs in two test schools by $4 million. The Energy Conservation Merit Plan has a cash-back clause that returns a portion of the money saved by energy conservation to the school. Contains…

Training and interpersonal skills can greatly improve school maintenance and food service operations. Innovative examples include an energy management program and a food service "focus on success" action plan. (MLF)