Kearsley Schools - See Bright Energy Future

The energy future of Kearsley Community Schools is brighter today as a result of implementing an energy efficiency project under the School & Local Government Energy Initiative. According to Ed LaVigne, Director of Finance and Operations, "This project is the most exciting thing that has happened to Kearsley in the 55 years of this district's existence, because it gives us an opportunity to provide a quality learning environment for kids. It totally changes their environment. The fact that we're also going to save money - that's pretty good too." The energy project was completed in December 2000 and Kearsley students, staff and visitors have been enjoying the benefits ever since. "The project has been an instant hit" according to LaVigne. " Noise levels have dropped and lighting levels have improved significantly. The community and the Board of Education are genuinely pleased that we made the effort to undertake this project." Project benefits include:

• Improved lighting at the desktop level; an improved learning environment for students.
• Annual energy cost savings of at least $99,000 for the life of the improvements;
• Reduced noise from eliminating mechanical ballasts; and
• Reduced operations and maintenance costs.

The total cost for the energy efficiency improvements was $592,000. These measures are expected to pay for themselves in less than six years. The District financed the project with an installment purchase contract. They obtained a five-year note based on a 10-year amortization with a balloon payment at the end of the five-year term. Energy efficiency improvements included:

• Upgrading fluorescent lighting systems by replacing existing 40-watt T-12 lamps and standard magnetic ballasts with energy efficient 32-watt T-8 lamps and electronic ballasts.
• Installing reflectors, compact fluorescents, automatic controls and LED exit sign retrofit kits;
• Replacing or rebuilding approximately 100 steam traps;
• Reinsulating all steam and condensate lines;
• Installing timers to control electric water heaters.

For more information about the Energy Initiative 2001, please contact Tim Shireman at (517) 241-6281; e-mail address: tashire@michigan.gov. The Energy Initiative 2001 serves public k-12 schools, public colleges and local governments throughout Michigan.

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Main Telephone Line: (517) 241-6228
Main Fax line: (517) 241-6229

Energy Office, Department of Consumer and Industry Services
Office of Policy and Leglislative Affairs
P.O Box 30221
Lansing , MI 48909