(AUGUSTA)— Seven school systems are being recognized by the Maine Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) for taking steps towards improved energy efficiency and reducing their carbon dioxide emissions that contribute to climate change. Friday, April 18th at Noon, Lewiston High School, East Avenue
Lewiston, Bath, Farmington, Thorndike, Vinalhaven, Rockland and Raymond schools are the first in Maine to complete a baseline assessment of their greenhouse gas emissions as part of the Maine Green Schools GHG Survey initiative. They are also some of the leaders in the state that are currently or have already participated in Efficiency Maine’s program for completing electric energy efficiency projects in their schools. These projects have resulted in reducing energy costs and saving money for their schools.
The voluntary School Greenhouse Gas Survey project is a collaborative effort between the Maine DEP’s Bureau of Air Quality and the Maine Energy Education Program (MEEP). Schools have the potential for significant energy efficiency improvements that can reduce their energy costs and greenhouse gas emissions which contribute to climate change impacts. This project should provide technical assistance to Maine schools in identifying their emissions from energy use and to help highlight opportunities that will reduce schools’ operational costs. Twenty Maine School systems have signed on to the project and are in the process of gathering their data.
The award ceremony will be held at the workshop on Saving Energy and $$ in Maine. The workshop for school facility and business managers is slated to include presentations on energy auditing in schools, performance contracting and other strategies for implementing energy efficiency improvements in schools. Over 100 participants from across the state will be learning about the ins and outs of energy management that can save their schools money over time.
More information on the Maine Green Schools – GHG Survey project can be found online at: http://www.maine.gov/dep/air/globalwarming/ghgschools.htm
Additional information on Efficiency Maine’s school energy management initiatives can be found online at: http://www.efficiencymaine.org/business_programsBooster.htm
