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| 9/10/2008 4:54:00 PM | Email this article • Print this article | New program in Mounds View school district saves energy and money
Kate Garlock
Bulletin staff
Don't look for the Mounds View district to leave its light on for you this year - it's not that they're unfriendly, just the opposite, they're eco-friendly.
Students who went back to school in the Mounds View school district noticed a few additions to their classrooms this year. As a new member of the Schools for Energy Efficiency (SEE) program the district has put in place hundreds of posters, stickers and signs reminding students, teachers and staff to conserve energy around the building.
The program was launched in July district-wide, from the high school all the way down to the elementary level; students are being passively prompted to conserve energy.
"We have stickers on every computer monitor, checklists by the doorway of each classroom saying make sure you shut off the lights - prompting both students and teachers to check - posters around the hall, a sticker on the front door, and stickers on every light switch," said Mounds View District Representative Rachel Gutierrez. As of now, the district is committed for two years, Gutierrez said. The first year is focused on trying to change students' and faculty's behavior and the second year is more hands on.
Student councils or environmental student groups help put up posters, she said. This is fitting because it was the students that brought it to the attention of the district.
Ceicily Wegman, who graduated from Mounds View High School last year helped bring the idea of energy efficiency to the faculty, Julie Wikelius Principal of Mounds View High school said.
Wikelius added the school hasn't received much feedback in the first week of school.
Right now we're just taking it on a year to year basis," Gutierrez said. She also noted in the second year the district will implement additional steps.
"Some changes seem obvious - when you leave a room, turn off the lights," Gutierrez said. "We're hoping those changes will decrease our energy costs by 10 percent in the first couple years."
The national organization has been in place since 2002 and has its roots in White Bear Lake. A national program, they work with other schools throughout the state and country.
The award winning program has achieved recognition from the governor of Minnesota, the Minnesota Governor's Award for Excellence in Waste and Pollution Prevention in 2008; across the Midwest, the Inspiring Efficiency Education award from the Midwest Energy Efficiency Alliance in 2008; and nationally, the Energy Star Award in 2007 from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
The national program has a strong base in Minnesota, not only having its roots in the state, but a large number of Minnesota schools participating - from Crosby to Austin.
When they join the program, schools are provided with a systemized plan customized for the various schools, including immediate and sustainable energy cost savings, a multi-year approach with annual focus, ways to measure progress with utility tracking, and support from energy experts.
Gutierrez said the endeavor also helps students learn the importance of conserving energy.
"I think it's going to be a great avenue for us to save some money and put it toward other uses," Gutierrez said. "If we do save this ten plus percent that could equate to some $300,000."
She added the decrease in energy costs could mean more money for future student programs in the district.
Kate Garlock can be reached at kgarlock@lillienews.com or 651-633-2777.
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