Policy 6810 - Energy Management, Education and Conservation

The Board of Directors (the “Board”) recognizes the responsibility to develop and maintain programs that support the conservation of energy and natural resources. In recognition of this leadership responsibility, the District will strive to (a) institute effective energy management and (b) provide information and develop conservation attitudes and skills for the students it serves. Specific goals that are emphasized in accordance with our energy reduction plan are: 1) improve the energy efficiency of facility operations and equipment, reduce peak energy demand, and lower energy costs; 2) reduce energy consumption from current levels; and 3) provide information and facilitate the development of conservation attitudes and skills for faculty, staff, and the students it serves. 

To achieve the objectives of energy management, the Board appoints the Executive Director of Support Services to establish a team representing stakeholders throughout the District. 

The team will have the responsibility to: 

1. Assess past and present energy consumption practices. 
2. Review current operational and maintenance practices. 
3. Study operation changes designed to reduce consumption and related costs; 
4. Examine the feasibility of retrofitting alternatives for existing facilities as a result of engineering studies and reports; 
5. Provision of periodic reports and/or recommendations to the superintendent and Board. 
6. Monitoring the energy management measures are implemented. 
7. Ensure, through a monitoring process, that instruction in energy use and conservation is incorporated into the district's program. 

The Board, as part of its educational mission, desires to foster the conservation ethic among the students. To achieve the objectives of the energy education program, instructional activities will be designed to change the student's perceptions of the supply and costs of natural resources which, in turn, will stimulate skill building to effect responsible conservation behavior in students. As part of the educational process, students will be encouraged to assess the energy consumption policies of the school as a means of applying knowledge and skill. 

Energy Conservation 

In light of the increasing cost and dwindling supply of conventional energy sources, a life cycle cost analysis will be required of each major construction project. A life cycle cost analysis will include a description of: 

1. Variable occupancy and operating conditions to be incurred by the facility; 
2. Overall supply and demand of the facility's energy system and actual or potential utilization of outside energy sources, such as climate; 
3. Initial cost of energy plant; 
4. Insulation and heat retention factors; and 
5. An energy consumption analysis comparing alternative energy systems. 

As part of its commitment to energy conservation, the District will consider the use of at least one renewable energy system such as solar energy, wind or wood or wood waste, geothermal, or other nonconventional fuels in any construction or renovation project. 

Adoption: