Schools and Municipal Buildings Energy Toolkit

This toolkit is applicable for K-12 school buildings, higher education buildings, and government buildings.

According to the U.S. Department of Energy, K-12 schools and higher education institutions spend a combined $14 billion on utility costs annually. School districts can save 30–40% on annual utility costs for new schools and 20–30% for renovated schools by applying high-performance design and sustainability concepts.

Meanwhile, local government buildings alone consume 2 quadrillion Btus each year and have the potential to save $3.7 billion annually through a 20% improvement.

This toolkit provides you with the same initial steps we would take to start assessing energy savings potential. Some of these changes you can make on your own, while others may require further consult and an expert energy audit. You can explore our case studies below to learn more. Be sure to contact PennTAP with any questions or to schedule a virtual audit.

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Fact Sheets

The following fact sheets will point you towards some key areas for energy and cost savings in your building. The sheets include statistics, tips, and guides on a variety of energy-saving topics throughout the schools and municipality sector. The fact sheets cover:

• Energy Efficiency and Indoor Air Quality
• Weather Stripping
• Energy Consumption for Small Appliances
• Foot-Candle Lighting Guide
• Indoor Pool

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Calculators

The calculators will allow you to input your own site-specific information for estimated personalized savings. Instructions for use and a description of the energy saving project is included in each calculator.

For the schools and municipal buildings sector, we offer free calculators for the following:

• Boiler
• Building Automation Systems (BAS)
  
• Chiller
• Lighting
• Motor

To access the calculators, please follow the link below to complete the request form. 

Request the Calculators

Note: The calculators should be used for educational purposes only and should not be used in place of a professional energy audit. The results provided are an estimation. Your savings may vary based on your actual school or municipality building.

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Case Studies

The case studies provide examples of savings achieved at other schools and municipalities.

• Erie County Department of Health Positioned to Save More Than $240,000 per Year
• Delaware Valley Area Benefits from Building Re-Tuning Series
• Creating a Solar Energy Feasibility Tool for Pennsylvania Schools
• Building Re-Tuning Drives Savings in Hampton Township
• BRT Workshop Provides Foundation for Energy Savings at Lower Merion High School
• Patriot Hall at Clatsop Community College

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Additional Resources

For more information about saving energy throughout your facility, visit the following:

• Energy Toolkit Glossary
• Portfolio Manager
• ENERGY STAR® Certified Schools
• Healthy School Environments – EPA
• Building Operator Certification
• Green Ribbon Schools

This project was funded by the Metropolitan Edison Company/Pennsylvania Electric Company Sustainable Energy Fund. For more information about their programs, go to their website here.