AW Becker Elementary School wins Energy Star certification

(Dec. 17, 2009) RAVENA, NY – The A.W. Becker Elementary School, part of the Ravena-Coeymans-Selkirk Central School District, has been awarded Energy Star certification for 2009, one of fewer than 700 schools nationwide to receive this designation.

"We received this certification because our staff is very diligent about shutting off lights, shutting down computers, sacrificing personal appliances and taking many other daily actions to conserve energy," said RCS Energy Manager Matthew Miller. "This helps the district conserve resources and save money."

To qualify for the Energy Star certification, a building must score in the top 25 percent based on the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) National Energy Performance Rating System. To determine the performance of a facility, the EPA compares energy use among other, similar types of facilities on a scale of 1-100; buildings that achieve a score of 75 or higher may be eligible for the Energy Star rating. The EPA rating system accounts for differences in operating conditions, regional weather data and other important considerations.

Ravena-Coeymans-Selkirk Central School District is in the fourth year of an energy conservation program that is estimated to have saved the district $1.2 million. At its current savings rate, the district expects to reduce its energy costs by more than $300,000 this school year, marking the fourth consecutive year of savings above the $300,000 level.

According to the EPA, buildings that earn the Energy Star certification use an average of 40 percent less energy than typical buildings and also release 35 percent less carbon dioxide into the atmosphere.

"Whether you are running a grocery store, a school, or an office building, getting the most out of your energy dollars – while reducing your carbon footprint – just makes sense," said EPA Administrator Stephen L. Johnson.

For more information about Energy Star, visit www.energystar.gov.

For more information about the Ravena-Coeymans-Selkirk Central School District, visit www.rcscsd.org.