Samuel Staples Elementary School has received federal recognition as an energy efficient facility.
Carroll Brooke of Easton’s Energy Task Force presented a plaque designating the school a 2016 Energy Star certified building to Staples Principal Kim Fox-Santora at the Sept. 13 Easton Board of Education meeting.
The U.S. Department of Energy bestows Energy Star certification to a facility that saves energy and money and generates fewer greenhouse gas emissions than typical buildings, according to the Energy Star certification website
“The federal government encourages energy efficiency and energy reduction,” Brooke said, and task force members walked through the school to evaluate its energy use and efficiency and then submitted their findings to the energy department.
“They came back and said ‘congratulations’,” Brooke said. “You qualify as an Energy Star facility.”
The idea is to get all buildings benchmarked, Brooke said. The task force is looking at other buildings in town for possible certification, including Town Hall and the Helen Keller Middle School.
Two factors stood out in terms of Staples reducing its energy usage, said Peggy Sullivan, director of finance and operations for the ER9 school districts. First, the solar panel installation behind the school has achieved its goal of supplying half of the school’s energy needs.
“We’re right on target,” said Brooke, who is credited as the motivational force behind the solar panel installation.
Secondly, the school replaced computer software, which enabled the heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems run more efficiently, Sullivan said. The lights in the school run on sensors, which cut down on electricity usage.
The Energy Star certification was a “feel good” award, she said.
Fox-Santora was gratified to receive the plaque.
“It’s another wonderful recognition for this beautiful building, and I appreciate the community support in developing clean energy,” she said.
Carroll Brooke of Easton’s Clean Energy Task Force presents a plaque recognizing Samuel Staples School as an Energy Star building to Principal Kim Fox-Santora. David Bindelglass, an Easton school board member and Dr. Thomas McMorran, Superintendent of Schools, look on. — Susan Hunter photo
