Operating facilities more efficiently is always a worthwhile goal, but when education budgets are shrinking, the quest for efficiency becomes a necessity. In the funding climate that schools and universities find themselves, building managers will be fortunate to hang on to the budget they have, let alone receive the resources they need to address…

In 2009, a replication of the Pool study was conducted. This study, however, focused on the school systems classified as Class III districts. Nebraska has 252 Class III districts. Compared with Class II (21), Class IV (1), and Class V(1) districts, the Class III districts offer a wide array of school settings, from urban to extremely rural, and…

This second article in a series on energy conservation sets up an overall attack on energy waste in the school environment. The campaign begins with proper operation and maintenance procedures. (See EA 005 433 and EA 504 535 for related information.) (Author)

Data from 100 school systems in 34 states show that public schools are in a state of critical disrepair. The physical deterioration of the schools is the result of a variety of factors--including the rapid increase in energy prices, state tax and expenditure limitation measures, and health and safety requirements--that have reduced spending for…

Describes how the LaPorte Independent School District in Texas turned to ultraviolent light devices installed within the HVAC system to combat mold and fungus after conventional approaches failed. Describes the additional benefits of energy savings from the system. (EV)

Intended as a manual to provide school custodians with some understanding of basic functions of heating, ventilating, and air conditioning equipment for safe, efficient operation. Contains general rules and specifications for providing custodians with a more complete awareness of their equipment and the field of "Climate Control" within the…

This manual, published by the Illinois Association of School Boards, was designed to be used as a teaching tool and reference source for overseeing effective school maintenance. Section 1 describes the basics of good school maintenance, including managing the program, using computers, controlling energy costs, ensuring safe practices, designing…

A study of the energy usage for 20 St. Cloud (Minnesota) district buildings was completed by a firm of consulting engineers. For each building, the study established a Total Energy Index (TEI) composed of the fuel, electricity, and water consumed during the base line year, fiscal year 1977-78. In addition, the blueprints and any proposed…

A consulting engineer describes the characteristics of four common total environmental control systems. (MF)

Presents practical solutions to school indoor-air-quality problems. Areas where school administrators should set IAQ goals and provide resources are listed, and tips for HVAC maintenance and cleaning to reduce air pollutants are provided. (GR)

A computer reduces electricity and steam costs at Columbia University by turning off one or more air-handling devices for a short period of time if the demand exceeds a pre-set target. (Author/MLF)

Advises administrators how to develop an energy master plan and how to reduce the usage of heating, ventilating, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems by means of a time clock, thermostat, and a scheduled preventive maintenance program. (MLF)

Discusses how proper maintenance can help schools eliminate sources contributing to poor air quality. Maintaining heating and air conditioning units, investigating bacterial breeding grounds, fixing leaking boilers, and adhering to ventilation codes and standards are discussed. (GR)

This manual serves as an energy conservation reference and management guide for school districts. The School District Energy Program (SDEP) is designed to provide information and/or assistance to school administrators planning to implement a comprehensive energy management program. The manual consists of 15 parts. Part 1 describes the SDEP; Parts…

By using an energy audit, the Cheyenne Mountain School District No. 12 (Colorado) identified fuel-consuming areas in its schools and reduced the annual increases for fuel from 25 to 5 percent. Six steps to energy savings will work for other districts as well. (JW)