HISD schools receive top accolades in EPA’s Energy Star National Building Competition

School at St. George Place ranked top in nation for energy savings amongst K-12 school buildings

Nine campuses from across the Houston Independent School District were recognized by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for reducing energy consumption by at least 20 percent over the last year.

The schools were recognized in June as part of the EPA’s 2015 Energy Star National Building Competition Battle of the Buildings Team Challenge, which encouraged organizations across the country to compete in their efforts to reduce energy and water consumption.

One of the nine — School at St. George Place — went so far as to cut their energy consumption by more than a third, garnering the top ranking for building energy reduction in the K-12 school category and a 12th-place ranking overall. The school cut their energy consumption by 37 percent.

“Students are aware of their energy usage, and it’s their job to conserve energy,” said School at St. George Place Assistant Principal Sara Marye. “Our goal is to create globally minded human beings with tools to make a positive impact on the world.”

The other recognized schools are Farias, Laurenzo, and Mistral early childhood centers, Crespo and Helms elementary schools, Hartman and Patrick Henry middle schools, and Gregory-Lincoln Education Center.

The schools reduced their energy use by an average of 26 percent and prevented the emission of 2,904 metric tons of greenhouse gasses, an amount equal to the annual emissions generated by energy use from 265 homes.

“The teams competing in this year’s Battle of the Buildings showed incredible dedication and ingenuity in finding ways to save energy and water,” said Jean Lupinacci, chief of the Energy Star Commercial and Industrial Branch. “Their achievements don’t just help their own bottom line through lower utility bills, they also help all of us by reducing greenhouse gas emissions and demonstrating what savings are possible in the built environment.”

The HISD Energy and Sustainability Department entered the schools in the competition and also implemented district energy conservation measures — including adjustment of the operating schedule, retrofitting and tuning up equipment, and optimizing HVAC units.

“EPA’s Energy Star National Building Competition helps us reduce energy consumption by providing tools to quantify our usage and target our energy efficiency initiatives,” said Kellie Williams, HISD Energy and Sustainability Senior Manager. “Most importantly, it helps us take actions to protect our environment. We are committed to resource stewardship and are excited to participate in future Energy Star competitions.”

For more information about the 2015 Energy Star National Building Competition, visit www.energystar.gov/battleofthebuildings.