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The award recognizes the best achievements and innovations in energy efficiency across Connecticut’s state and municipal buildings, according to a press release.
In 2009, the Weston Board of Education took on an initiative to reduce utility costs and conserve energy at its six buildings.
The board analyzed energy use at its buildings and noted key points to address. Consultants from Energy Education Inc. estimated a savings of at least 10 percent, with a goal of 20 percent, on energy costs by changing the way existing energy systems were used. The analysis also indicated that behavioral change could reduce energy consumption and eliminate the need to purchase or replace HVAC systems, according to a press release.
The company’s energy specialists and engineers also trained Dave Lustberg, a new Weston Public Schools employee, to become the district’s energy manager
After the first two years of running its conservation program, the Weston Board of Education reduced its energy costs by 38 percent.
In the program’s third year, the board’s energy bill reflected the equivalent of 262 cars not driven for a year or 37,389 new trees grown for ten years, according to a press release.
The award is the result of collaboration between the Emily Hall Tremaine Foundation, the Hampshire Foundation and the Common Sense Fund, all Connecticut-based foundations. The mission of this program is to recognize and promote energy efficiency efforts and support the existing ecosystem of clean energy in Connecticut, according to a press release.
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