Elfrida Elementary School District earns Energy Star

Douglas Dispatch

Elfrida Elementary School District has earned the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA’s) ENERGY STAR certification, with the help of Midstate Energy.

The districts building performs in the top 25 percent of similar facilities nationwide in energy efficiency and meets strict energy efficiency performance levels set by the EPA.

"Elfrida Elementary School District is pleased to accept EPA’s ENERGY STAR certification in recognition of our energy efficiency efforts,” School Superintendent, Victoria Brand said. "Through this achievement, we have demonstrated our commitment to environmental stewardship while also lowering our energy costs. We know we will save money for our taxpayers not only now but into the future by making these improvements. ”

Commercial buildings that earn EPA’s ENERGY STAR certification use an average of 35 percent less energy than typical buildings and also release 35 percent less carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. Elfrida Elementary School District improved its energy performance by managing energy strategically across the district and by making cost-effective improvements to its buildings. Elfrida ESD has prevented greenhouse gas emissions equal to 5,884 gallons of gasoline.

To earn the ENERGY STAR, Elfrida Elementary School District with the assistance of Midstate Energy, LLC installed the following energy conservation measures:

· Energy Management System with Demand Control Ventilation

· Lighting Upgrades

· Water Efficiency Measures

· Computer Power Management

· Energy Behavior Management Programs

Midstate Energy, LLC collaborates with school districts like Elfrida to provide solutions to build a lower cost, sustainable energy future.

Midstate has worked with many Arizona school districts to create safer, energy-smart learning environments through the use of performance contracting. Performance contracting is a procurement vehicle that allows school districts to obtain facility upgrades without utilizing bond funding.

This can be achieved through Midstate’s Clear Choice™ performance contracting process which consists of four stages: Qualification, Energy Audit, Implementation, and the Guarantee.

During this process, Midstate assists school districts in earning national recognition for their energy efficient buildings through the ENERGY STAR program.

“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.”