The conservation measures outlined below should be emphasized at the beginning of each heating season. School principals should advise students and faculty members to dress appropriately to offset lower building temperatures. Department heads should advise their personnel of conservation measures put into practice. The cooperation of all concerned will be necessary to make this conservation program successful. Continued emphasis on the need to conserve energy is necessary.
General guidelines for energy conservation include:
During the Heating Season
- Lower thermostats to obtain a building temperature of 72 degrees Fahrenheit during the day. Kindergarten, shower and locker room thermostats may be adjusted to maintain a 75 degrees Fahrenheit room temperature.
- Adjust heating setback switches to obtain nighttime building temperatures of 63 degrees. All schools are to activate setback switches at the close of school. Where possible, school building thermostats will be set at 65 degrees Fahrenheit to further conserve fuel resources.
- Pay particular attention to door and window closures to reduce heat costs.
- The Maintenance Division staff will coordinate with school principals on efficient boiler use to insure minimum boiler operations.
- The Maintenance Division staff will assess outside air intake systems and adjust where needed to reduce heat loss.
During the Cooling Season
- Hold cooling levels for air-conditioned areas at not lower than 72 degrees Fahrenheit during working hours. Activate setback switches at 4:00 p.m. unless the physical plant is specifically exempt to provide comfortable temperatures for special programs in a school or for environmental quality standards.
Other
- Reduce interior hall lighting by 50 percent at all times. Insure that classroom lights are out when not in use. Night custodial staff will use minimum lighting necessary to accomplish tasks.
- If a special hardship is sustained by an activity, an appeal may be made to the school principal, and Supervisor of Buildings and Grounds, in turn, for an exception to policy.
- Drivers of public school vehicles are reminded of the State Air Pollution Control Board regulation which prohibits the running of vehicle engines for more than three minutes when the vehicle is parked, except when the engine provides auxiliary service other than for heating or air conditioning. Fuel economy is enhanced by eliminating unnecessary engine idling when idle time exceeds one minute.
