Robbinsdale Area Schools Named an EPA Top Performer

Robbinsdale Area Schools has been named a Top Performer with Energy Star and is proud to join EPA's list of ENERGY STAR Leaders, an elite group of organizations that have improved energy efficiency across entire portfolios of commercial buildings. Last year, President Obama announced a nationwide call to action to make commercial buildings 20% more energy efficient by 2020. EPA’s ENERGY STAR program provides a strategic pathway toward superior energy efficiency, including a focus on ongoing performance measurement and whole-building improvement, that has helped these leading organizations make meaningful progress toward the President’s goal.  Robbinsdale Area Schools is comprised of ten elementary schools, two middle schools, two high schools, two learning centers, and the Education Service Center.

"Robbinsdale Area Schools is excited to be named an EPA ENERGY STAR Leader,” said Aldo Sicoli, Superintendent. "Through this achievement, we have demonstrated our commitment to environmental stewardship while also lowering our energy costs, money that can then be put back into the classroom for learning.”

To be named a Top Performer, Robbinsdale Area Schools needed to meet two energy efficiency improvement milestones. The first milestone requires a ten percent improvement in energy performance across their entire building portfolio, and subsequent recognition is given for each 10 percent improvement thereafter. The second milestone requires the buildings in an organization’s portfolio, on average, to perform in the top 25 percent of similar buildings nationwide. To be eligible for ENERGY STAR Leaders recognition, organizations are required to track and submit energy performance data for all buildings and fuel sources through EPA’s ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager tool.

To be recognized as an EPA ENERGY STAR Leader, Robbinsdale Area Schools improved the energy efficiency of the buildings in their portfolio by establishing a district Energy set of procedures and guidelines; launching operational and awareness campaigns; focusing on maintenance of energy systems and equipment; installing motion sensors in classrooms, offices, gymnasiums, and hallways; reviewing and modifying lighting schedules and thermostat set points; and purchasing ENERGY STAR qualified high-efficient lighting, office equipment, and appliances whenever possible. Robbinsdale Area Schools also partnered with the Class 5 Energy, Inc. program called Schools For Energy Efficiency ® (SEE), and as a result of their involvement with the SEE and ENERGY STAR programs, the district’s building operators manage the district’s facilities more efficiently, and staff members and students display responsible, energy-conscious behavior. Utilizing the SEE program and partnering with ENERGY STAR have provided Robbinsdale Area Schools with many valuable resources and ideas that have enabled the district to meet energy goals and ensure that students are learning to be good stewards of the environment. The district is only one of five in the state to be named a Top Performer in 2013.

The district strives to improve energy performance to maximize the funds available for instructional programs and support services and to educate every student and staff member about the environmental benefits of energy efficiency. Compared to its 2011 baseline, the district has prevented the emissions of 510 metric tons of carbon dioxide, which is equivalent to the carbon sequestered by more than 13,000 tree seedlings planted and grown for 10 years.

For more information about ENERGY STAR Leaders: www.energystar.gov/Leaders