Reynoldsburg schools’ energy project saves money, helps kids
When I began working at Reynoldsburg City Schools in 2017, it was clear that the energy expenses were significant, and the district was paying too much.
We developed and implemented a district-wide energy waste reduction project at 14 buildings, as well as at the high school sports stadium. Initiatives included interior and exterior lighting upgrades, major heating and air-conditioning systems renovations and complete district-wide controls and building automation replacement.
These energy waste reduction measures have helped minimize long-term maintenance costs and utility bills for our school district. The annual savings in the first year were more than $750,000, and the district is on pace to beat that in the second year.
Energy waste reduction programs benefit Ohio’s children, save taxpayer money and provide schools with more money to invest in education. Over time, savings can translate into the ability to hire more teachers, purchase more books and computers, or invest in additional educational resources. Beyond these benefits, schools also can improve the student learning environment, realize better overall student health and decreased absenteeism, and benefit the greater community.
A new major study conducted by Gabel Associates, Estimating the Benefits of Energy Waste Reduction in Ohio, found that greater investment in energy waste reduction can save billions of dollars and create thousands of jobs for Ohioans over the next 10 years. These benefits would be realized by ramping up investments in energy waste-reducing programs that help Ohio residents and businesses upgrade their buildings, improve manufacturing production lines, install new sensors and controls and otherwise cut energy waste.
Ohio’s energy waste reduction programs were in place for a decade until the passage of House Bill 6 in 2019 eliminated them.
We need forward-thinking energy policies to benefit Ohio’s children now and in the future. Energy costs are a significant operating expenditure, particularly for school districts, and programs that cut energy waste can generate both short-term savings and long-term economic benefits.
Regardless of any legislation, it’s my job to be a good steward of public money.
It’s been fantastic to have implemented an environmentally responsible and sustainable program for the future.
The savings we have seen in Reynoldsburg are really only the beginning. Every dollar that we save the district on the energy side is a dollar we can put into education. That’s why we’re here. We’re here to educate kids.
Chris Reed is executive director of business for Reynoldsburg City Schools.