HOUTZDALE – The Moshannon Valley School District has announced that both the high school and elementary school buildings have earned the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) ENERGY STAR® certification for superior energy performance.
“Improving the energy efficiency of our nation’s buildings is critical to protecting our environment,” said Jean Lupinacci, chief of the ENERGY STAR Commercial & Industrial Branch.
“From the boiler room to the board room, organizations are leading the way by making their buildings more efficient and earning EPA’s ENERGY STAR certification.”
ENERGY STAR certified buildings and schools are verified to perform in the top 25 percent of buildings nationwide, based on weather-normalized source energy use that takes into account occupancy, hours of operation and other key metrics.
ENERGY STAR is the only energy efficiency certification in the United States that is based on actual, verified energy performance.
“We’re honored to earn the ENERGY STAR certification for superior energy performance at Moshannon Valley School District and appreciate the efforts of everyone who has been involved in our efficient operation, including, students, teachers, staff and business partners,” said District Superintendent, Dr. John Zesiger.
“Saving energy is just one of the ways we show our community that we are good financial stewards with taxpayer dollars.
“It also demonstrates that we’re committed to doing our part to protect the environment and public health, both today and for future generations of students.”
Zesiger credits this success to not only the efforts of all staff, but also a partnership with Schneider Electric on a District-wide energy services program.
Schneider Electric developed and implemented comprehensive upgrades to each school, which included building automation, lighting, lighting controls, building envelope and water conservation.
The improvements have reduced Moshannon Valley School District’s utility spending by more than $60,000 annually.
“We’re proud to have supported Moshannon Valley School District in achieving Energy Star certification,” said Dave Kramer, program manager for Schneider Electric.
“Their dedication to improving energy efficiency has also led to a direct enrichment of the student learning environment.”
The district was recognized in 2017 as an honorable mention by the Keystone Energy Efficiency Alliance [KEEA], where the district was awarded a year-long energy audit from Warren Energy Engineering that initiated the work with Schneider Electric to earn certification.
On average, ENERGY STAR certified buildings use 35 percent less energy, cause 35 percent fewer greenhouse gas emissions and are less expensive to operate than their peers—all without sacrifices in performance or comfort.
To date, tens of thousands of buildings across all 50 states have earned the ENERGY STAR.
For more information about ENERGY STAR for Buildings and Plants, visit www.energystar.gov/buildings.
