Maine Government News
Maine Schools Awarded Energy Saving Audits
December 10, 2009
Environmental Protection
DEP’s Maine Green School Initiative: Deb Avalone-King (207) 287-7028 or Debbie.J.Avalone-King@maine.gov
Maine Energy Education Programs: Beth Otto (207) 287-6096 or Beth.Otto@maine.gov
Efficiency Maine: Michael Barden (207) 287-3318 or Michael.Barden@maine.gov
AUGUSTA – Six Maine schools are receiving grants of up to $1,400 to perform energy audits of their facilities. The Portland Public Schools, Waterville Public Schools, MSAD 72 (Fryeburg), Forest Hills Consolidated School (Jackman), Sheepscot Valley Regional School Unit (Whitefield), and the Region 2 School of Applied Technology (Houlton) have participated in the 2009 Maine Department of Environmental Protection’s (DEP) energy-saving survey. The audits will identify opportunities for energy-saving strategies, and for installation of improvements that will save money and reduce greenhouse gas emissions from power plants. Building managers may also be eligible to put this money toward energy efficiency projects to reduce energy use and greenhouse gas emissions.
This program targets future schools that take the first step of completing greenhouse gas surveys and awards are on a first come first serve basis while funding is available.
DEP Commissioner David Littell said, “The DEP has been working with Efficiency Maine 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 will manage the energy audits through their Efficiency Maine small business energy audit program. Schools that make efficiency investments to 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 Commission Chair Sharon M. Reishus. “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 to provide the funding. The Maine Green School Initiative is a collaborative effort between DEP and the Maine Energy Education Program (MEEP). The Commission’s Efficiency Maine program also provides funding to MEEP’s outreach and education programs, including three classroom educators.
