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5650 Energy/Water Conservation and Recycling of Solid Waste

5650 Energy/Water Conservation and Recycling of Solid Waste

2010 5650

Non-Instructional/Business Operations

SUBJECT: ENERGY CONSERVATION IN THE SCHOOLS

The Board of Education recognizes the importance of energy conservation and is committed to the analysis, development, and initiation of conservation measures throughout the District for the purpose of reducing energy consumption, particularly in these times of declining levels of natural energy resources and increasing cost of these resources. The Board maintains an aggressive and responsible program to reduce consumption of energy by its facilities and to provide education to both staff and students on the conservation of energy.

The District is committed to an energy conservation program that addresses not only capital-related energy projects but ongoing, day-to-day energy related issues as well. All staff are urged to participate actively in a program of energy conservation by assisting in the efforts to eliminate the wasteful use of energy in the operation of the District's buildings. Cooperation will be required of each employee and each student to achieve a meaningful energy conservation program that results in a more efficient use of energy resources. Involvement of staff and students is essential to a successful program of energy conservation.

Energy Manager

The Director of Facilities and Operations is designated as the Energy Manager of the District and he/she shall report directly to the Board of Education and the Superintendent, or their designee, on matters pertaining to energy conservation.

Energy Conservation Task Force

         The Board of Education further directs the Superintendent to establish an energy conservation task force consisting of at least two Board members, the Superintendent, the School Business Official, the Director of Facilities and Operations, and such other individual(s) as may be deemed necessary. The duties of this task force will include, but are not limited to, the following:

  1. Analyzing the District's energy consumption patterns and cost data;
  2. Selecting and recommending to the Board an energy audit or technical assistance study to determine where the District can save;
  3. Consider financing energy improvements with an energy performance contract. A technical assistance study can evaluate a proposed performance contract before the District enters into an agreement;
  4. Consider cost savings from cooperative purchasing arrangements with other municipalities and school districts.

         Progress reports on the implementation of energy conservation measures will be made to the Board at least annually.

Minimum Indoor Air Temperature

         The District will comply with the Property Maintenance Code of New York State, part of the New York State Uniform Fire Prevention and Building Code, which requires that indoor occupiable work spaces be maintained at a minimum temperature of sixty five (65) degrees from September 14 to May 31 during the period the spaces are occupied. There are exceptions for areas of vigorous physical activities such as gymnasiums as well as processing spaces such as coolers or freezers. However, by law, code or regulation there is no maximum temperature specified. Ventilation requirements only require fresh air, not cool air-conditioning.

Long-Range Considerations

         The energy conservation program is an important factor to be considered in planning effective use of school facilities, new construction, remodeling or rehabilitation programs, and modernization projects.

Environmental Conservation Law Sections 27-2101- 27-2117

General Municipal Law Section 120-aa

19 New York State Code of Rules and Regulations (NYCRR) Sections 1221-1228 and

  Section 1240

Energy Conservation Code of New York State 2007

Adoption Date: 8/09/10