EVMS one of country’s top energy-savers

East Valley Middle School ranks in the top 25 for K-12 schools in the nation for efficient energy use.

The school received an Energy Star Award for its energy conservation efforts. Energy Star, an Environmental Protection Agency program, helps businesses and individuals improve energy efficiency to protect their environment.

Principal Doris Hoffman said the school’s custodial and maintenance staff has taken various measures including maintaining an even temperature in the buildings, turning off unnecessary lights and frequently changing air filters in the heating and ventilation systems. Some sections have double doors to prevent heat loss.

“We had new boilers put in last year and we had new lights put in, all with energy conservation in mind,” Hoffman said, adding that other staff in the school have co-operated with the custodial and maintenance departments’ directive to conserve energy.

Between February 2004 and February 2005, the school was able to save $4,000 in energy costs. The school ranked in the top 30 nationwide previously. Top energy-performing schools use three times less energy than those with less efficient systems, according to the Energy Star Web site.

Apart from a bronze Energy Star plaque for the middle school, the East Valley School District also got an $18,000 rebate from Avista Utilities for the replacement of the vintage boilers.

“Over a period of years, these kinds of things, besides helping the environment, pay for themselves,” Hoffman said.