Energy savings add up

AIKEN --- Saving energy can be as simple as turning off a light when leaving a room, but the little efforts have added up to saving the Aiken County School District almost a teacher's salary.

The district stepped up efforts to curb energy use this year to help balance a tight budget. Since March, the district has saved $20,647, according to data presented to the school board Tuesday.

"I think our folks have made a conscientious effort to do those things," said David Caver, Aiken County's deputy superintendent. "We have brought it to the forefront with (this list)."

Checklists on ways to make sure electricity wasn't wasted were given to principals, custodians and maintenance crews. Any perks of coffee pots or mini-refrigerators in classrooms were also eliminated. The air conditioning rarely varies from 78 degrees and assembly areas, such as auditoriums and gyms, are used less for smaller groups.

Mr. Caver said the changes were met with some resistance, but that usually happens when "asking someone to do something they're uncomfortable doing, or makes them uncomfortable."

North Augusta High School principal Kyle Smith said his teachers were probably more understanding because of the hit they took losing personnel last year.

"We mentioned it at a faculty meeting and if doing these cost savings can save a job, then let's do it," he said about the response. "Turning off the lights probably had more significance here than anywhere else. They understood."

Mr. Caver said there have been some adjustments this year, such as allowing system overrides at schools for after-hours events.

But each case is documented to allow the district to track how and when energy use increases.

Adjustments include leaving the air on for teachers who work after hours.

With increased energy rates this year, Mr. Caver estimates the district had a cost avoidance of $131,000.

School board member John Wesley Hightower said if the avoidance created actual savings, he'd like to see the money put toward school supplies.

The savings, which were expected in last year's budget, go back into the general operating fund.

Mr. Caver said efforts this winter would remain the same, with the district keeping temperatures within a four-degree variable of the suggested 68 degrees by energy companies.

"We'll keep the system up and running while school is in session."

Reach Julia Sellers at (706) 823-3424 or julia.sellers@augustachronicle.com