Conservation Program

REDUCING SEALY ISD's CARBON FOOTPRINT

In 2008 Sealy ISD enacted responsible conservation programs following Board Policy (CL) that reduce the consumption of water and electricity.  Since implementation of the program, the district has deployed strategies that target inefficient systems while working to improve public awareness.

PROVIDING BETTER LEARNING ENVIRONMENTS

According to a paper by the EPA, conservation efforts that increase energy efficiency and conservation of resources in K-12 schools produces healthier and safer facilities, and better learning environments. How?

  • Reduced energy consumption means more funds for other opportunities,
  • Studies show natural light has a positive effect on student performance,
  • Efficiency upgrades can improve air quality and increase student health,
  • Improved lighting can have a positive effect on security and student safety,
  • LED lights provide healthier lighting tones and may improve learning capacity


PROGRESS COMPLETE

Sealy ISD is continuously improving the state of all facilities through our corrective and preventative maintenance programs and long term facilities plan. As light fixtures fail they are replaced with high efficiency LED's. As larger motors and appliances fail due to end of life service they are being replaced with highly efficient systems based on the newest technology. The 2016 Bond funded major conservation improvements including:

  • Facility designs that maximize the use of natural light
  • Day light harvesting automation
  • Installation of Energy recovery ventilation equipment
  • Installation of energy efficient boilers and appliances
  • Installation of building automation systems that cycle HVAC occupancy
  • Replacement of aging mechanical systems
  • Weatherization of building envelopes
  • Replacement and improvements to roof systems
  • Installation of water-saving faucets
  • Installation of touchless water faucets
  • Installation of occupancy sensors for lighting control
  • Conversion of interior and exterior lighting to LED's

ON-GOING EFFORT

The Sealy ISD's Maintenance Department continues to work aggressively each year to reduce energy consumption. Current energy reduction strategies include:

  • The standard cooling set point for occupied facilities between 7 am -5 pm M-F is 73 degrees
  • The standard unoccupied cooling set point is 85 degrees
  • Conversions of remaining lighting to LED fixtures as existing units fail
  • Conversions to low-flow and touchless faucets at time of failure,
  • Replacing failed appliances  with UL listed Energy Star certified
  • Support and facilitation of campus recycling programs and recycling of materials
  • Use of schedules to adjust occupied/unoccupied building temperature
  • Use of exterior temperature sensors on Water Heaters and Boilers
  • Use of adaptive building temperature settings based on exterior temperatures
  • Discouraging use of personal appliances in classrooms and spaces


STAFF AND STUDENT CONSERVATION OPPORTUNITIES

Conservation efforts produce the best results when all students and staff support the program.  Based on results reported at other school districts the potential is 1-5 cents per day per stakeholder, an estimated $7,000.00 - $35,000 per school year in water and electric cost savings.

  • Rule #1 - Unplug unused devices - A phone charger uses 0.5 watts even when it is not in use consuming 4,380 watts annually
  • Lights Off - Each time you exit your office for more than 10 minutes
  • Open a blindHarvest the sunlight and turn off some of the interior lights
  • Personal appliances - A group of four appliances like a coffee maker, refrigerator, space heater, & microwave,  consumes an estimated $500 annually at $.07 cents per kW
  • Keep windows closed - Open windows let in bugs, pollen, and humidity
  • Turn faucets completely off  
  • Report leaking faucets, toilets and urinals - A dripping fixture can waste 5-gal per day, 1,825 gal/year
  • Computers do not sleep - If you don't plan to use your computer for more than 30-minutes, shut it off.
  • Projectors and Smart boards -  Reduces energy consumption and extends useful life of the equipment.
  • Report missing ceiling tiles - Missing tiles allow the hot and unhealthy air above the ceiling into the space
  • Event Ownership  - Sponsors, turn off all lights and auxiliary sound systems after each event. Don't forget to check restroom's and lounges for appliances let 'on', or faucets that were not completely shut off.
 
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