June 12, 2008
Environmental Protection
DEP: Scott Cowger 207-287-5842 scott.w.cowger@maine.gov
PUC: Fred Bever 207-287-6141 fred.bever@maine.gov
AUGUSTA, Maine – Nine schools in Maine that participate in the Department of Environmental Protection’s (DEP’s) Green Schools initiative and that have been recognized for their participation in the greenhouse gas/energy use survey are now eligible for grants up to $1,400 to perform a professional energy audit of their facilities to identify opportunities for energy-saving strategies, and for installation of energy-saving improvements that will save taxpayer money as well as reduce greenhouse gas emissions from power plants. Examples of energy-saving efficiency retrofits include the installation of high-efficiency lighting systems or HVAC controls.
Other schools that participate in the program in the future may be eligible to use infrared building imaging to identify heat loss problem areas as part of the greenhouse gas/energy use survey for their school.
DEP Commissioner David Littell said “The DEP has been working with the PUC to address ways to reduce energy use in our schools which directly reduce the carbon footprints of these public facilities at the core of our communities. This funding will identify direct reductions in greenhouse gas emissions as a result of energy savings at the participating schools.”
The Maine Public Utilities Commission (PUC) will participate in the effort by managing the energy audits and giving referrals to qualified auditors who provide the service for small businesses in Maine under contract with the PUC’s Efficiency Maine program. In addition, schools that decide to make efficiency investments that reduce electricity use can get cash incentives and other assistance through Efficiency Maine’s Business Program.
“Efficiency investments in the schools make enormous sense for taxpayers, the environment, and educators” said Sharon M. Reishus, the PUC’s Chairman. “These investments save money, reduce pollution and perhaps most importantly they bring teachers and students into the loop – ensuring that the next generation will be fully engaged in shaping our energy future.”
The federal Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) helped provide funding for the energy efficiency program of the Green Schools initiative, which is a collaborative effort between DEP and the Maine Energy Education Partnership (MEEP). The PUC’s Efficiency Maine program also provides funding to MEEP’s outreach and education programs. The PUC and DEP also co-fund a carbon footprint educator who is doing the work on the GHG/Energy Use survey project as well as classroom energy presentations with students.
For more information about the DEP’s Green Schools Initiative, contact Deb Avalone-King at (207) 287-7028 or email Debbie.J.Avalone-King@maine.gov. For more information about energy audits and other Efficiency Maine programs, contact Shirley Bartlett at (207) 287-3318 or email at Shirley.Bartlett@maine.gov.
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