These days, school districts face several challenges to maintaining energy-efficient facilities while also providing a safe and healthy learning environment. Among these challenges are:
- Constantly-changing student needs
- Security issues and compliance requirements
- Evolving technology and increased energy use
- Aging physical infrastructure and deferred maintenance needs
- Budgetary strain
Since education is a school district’s first priority, though, these facility challenges are often overlooked. Even when identified, they can be difficult to afford. However, we at McKinstry know there’s a great opportunity for school districts to simultaneously lower their utility bills and have more money available for teachers, students, and classrooms.
As with any environment, it’s impossible to make a change without first identifying and then finding solutions for the problem. In most cases, administration, occupants and operators are not taught what to do and how they can make a difference. So how do schools waste energy and money? How do they make changes to save?