Wayland Union Schools has announced five of six of its school buildings (all but the middle school) have earned the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) ENERGY STAR®certification for superior energy performance.
“Wayland Union Schools continues to demonstrate true environmental leadership by reducing harmful greenhouse gas emissions that are proven to contribute to climate change,” stated Jean Lupinacci, ENERGY STAR Director for Commercial & Industrial Buildings. “Today, 45 percent of U.S. emissions are attributable to commercial and industrial buildings, which is why improving energy efficiency is so critical for our future.”
ENERGY STAR certified buildings and plants are verified to perform in the top 25 percent of buildings nationwide, based on weather-normalized source energy use that takes into account occupancy, hours of operation, and other key metrics. ENERGY STAR is the only energy efficiency certification in the United States that is based on actual, verified energy performance.
“We’re honored to earn the ENERGY STAR for superior energy performance and appreciate the efforts of everyone who has been involved in its efficient operation,” said Pat Velie, Director of Finance & Operations. “Saving energy is just one of the ways we show our community we care, and that we’re committed to doing our part to protect the environment and public health, both today and for future generations.”
Velie credits this success to energy efficiency measures implemented throughout the district, including geothermal heating/cooling, switching to LED lighting, using motion sensor lighting, computerizing controls for heating/cooling/lighting, eliminating personal appliances, unplugging personal devices and adding student led green teams who promote energy efficiency in their buildings.
On average, ENERGY STAR certified buildings and plants use 35 percent less energy, cause 35 percent fewer greenhouse gas emissions, and are less expensive to operate than their peers — all without sacrifices in performance or comfort.
To date, tens of thousands of buildings and plants across all 50 states have earned the ENERGY STAR. For more information about ENERGY STAR for Buildings and Plants, visit www.energystar.gov/buildings
Congratulations Wayland on your efforts for a more sustainable planet. Go Green!