Ichabod Crane School District Is Recognized For Achieving Epa Energy Star Leader Award

The Ichabod Crane Central School has been recognized by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency as an ENERGY STAR Leader based on its demonstration of significant improvement in energy efficiency. The Ichabod Crane district is one of five New York districts that have been awarded the prestigious U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s ENERGY STAR® Leader Award and is one of 46 private and public sector organizations nationwide to achieve this status. Working closely with the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA), the district utilized the EPS’s Building Performance Rating System benchmarking tool and other energy management resources. The district has reduced its overall energy consumption by 18% (kBtu/ft2) and eliminated the emission of 1,168,000 pounds of CO2 into the environment. The district has reduced its total electricity usage by 17% and its total fuel oil usage by 21%, leading to a $93,000 cost avoidance for the 2005-2006 school year.

Ichabod Crane is the first public school district in New York State to qualify for two different Leadership Awards. The first award is for a 10 point increase in the nationwide ranking for all buildings. The second award is for superior portfolio-wide energy performance. Ichabod Crane Central School District has the highest average score of any district in New York State. All five of Ichabod Crane’s school buildings scored in the top quartile of energy performance nationwide. To date, Ichabod Crane is the only district in New York State to earn ENERGY STAR recognition for all of its school buildings.

"I commend Ichabod Crane Central School District for their outstanding achievement in receiving the EPA's ENERGY STAR Leader Award," said Senator Steve Saland. "Their decision to reduce energy consumption though the use of efficiency measures will benefit the district through a reduction in energy costs, improved energy efficiency, and most importantly reduce CO2 emissions significantly. I hope that Ichabod Crane's example will encourage other school districts to explore ways they may use energy more efficiently. Promoting energy efficiency and in turn reducing the cost of doing business is a win-win situation for the school community and hardworking taxpayers."

These energy reductions were accomplished by the cooperative efforts of more than 350 employees on a districtwide basis in implementing the school board policy of energy conservation. The district was able to appreciably reduce energy consumption in the daily operation of all occupied and unoccupied spaces, including active classrooms and corridors. A parallel strategy was implemented by the Operations and Maintenance department employees to optimize the deployment of all building utilities and services. This around the clock optimization includes all mechanical systems, comfort systems, lighting equipment and schedules inside the buildings and on the grounds.

Peter R. Smith, President and CEO of NYSERDA said, "NYSERDA provides schools with the opportunity to have a free benchmarking analysis performed on their buildings to see how they rank in New York State in terms of energy performance. Ichabod Crane Central School District should be proud of the high rank their district buildings received, as well as the diligence of their staff to conserve energy. NYSERDA applauds Ichabod Crane for being recognized by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, and commends their commitment to doing even more in the future to enhance the district’s energy performance."

"Schools that partner with ENERGY STAR provide a better learning environment, reduce energy consumption and save tax dollars by being cost effective," said Alan J. Steinberg, EPA Regional Administrator. "We commend the Ichabod Crane Central School District for setting a high standard in superior energy managment and energy performance."