Energy Star

Energy Efficiency Awards

The District is committed to excellence in the realm of energy efficiency. Ten OPS schools have won the U.S. Department of Education’s Green Ribbon Award, which is one of the most prestigious green schools awards in the country.  The following schools have also earned Energy Star Awards: Beals Elementary, Buffet Middle, Harrison Elementary, Jackson Elementary, Kennedy Elementary, King Science & Technology Middle, Marrs Middle, Miller Park Elementary, Ponca Elementary, Rose Hill Elementary, Sherman Elementary, Springville Elementary, Wakonda Elementary, and Washington Elementary.

Congratulations to these schools!

Strategies

The District has pursued many strategies to reduce building energy use over the years. Dozens of schools now have real-time energy monitoring systems that help the District determine when and where energy is being used so that conservation strategies are targeted. LED lights are the norm in new renovations and new buildings. Communicating and implementing energy conservation practices is also essential to reducing energy use, and the District’s Energy & Water Management Team is focused on monitoring energy use and providing direction and solutions to schools for continued conservation.

These strategies and additional guidelines for reducing energy use are included in the Environmental Stewardship Plan. The District will also likely see significant reductions in energy use with the completion of upgrades as outlined in the recent Facilities Assessment.

How to Support This Goal at Your School

Try establishing an Energy Patrol Team where students walk through the school at the end of the day to ensure lights are turned off, computer equipment is shut down as appropriate, blinds are closed to help with insulation, etc.