7 Percent Decrease in Energy Costs for Valley View Schools

Submitted by Valley View School District 365U

BOLINGBROOK, IL — Valley View School District 365U’s innovative Comprehensive Energy & Environmental Management Initiative (CEEMI) once again yielded financial savings for taxpayers during Fiscal Year 2015.

“The credit goes to the strategic energy-reduction measures that Valley View has put in place over the past several years,” said Michael Lopez, VVSD’s Director of Facility Operations.

According to the annual energy audit performed by Kenneth J. Kogut & Associates, VVSD’s energy operating cost decreased 7 percent during School Year 2014-15 to $1.19 per square foot.

“The decrease can be attributed to a more efficient operation of district energy systems, both heating and cooling,” said Kenneth J. Kogut, who pointed out that the decrease occurred despite an increase in degree-days as well as a slight increase in the overall cost of electricity.

Kogut indicated the energy efficiency is directly related to VVSD’s lighting, improved HVAC controls, and chiller system upgrades, as well as more effective energy utilization in all VVSD facilities.

“Based on comparative energy data for schools, Valley View is still below the Energy Information Administration average for the education sector in the Midwest Region,” Kogut said. “This fairs well for the district with its expansion and addition of new facilities in recent years, and reflects positively on district energy management operations.”