Weston Schools Earn Energy Star Award

WESTON, Conn. – Weston public schools will be the first in the state named an "Energy Star Leader" by the federal government for cutting its energy use by 20 percent. 

“We are extremely proud that our energy-saving success is being recognized by Energy Star. Our energy-conservation efforts are saving taxpayer dollars while also helping protect our local environment,” said Colleen Palmer, Weston superintendent.

Since the conservation program began in the fall of 2009, the district has reduced energy costs by $993,758 and cut energy consumption by 28.6-percent, Palmer said.

“But it’s more than financial savings. We are helping preserve the environment. According to the EPA, our decrease in energy use is the equivalent of taking 498 cars off our local roads or planting 71,000 trees in our community,” Palmer said.

The cost of utilities is one of the largest line items in the district’s budget. David Lustberg, transportation coordinator and energy manager at the district, said teachers began shutting down electronics in the classroom when not in use and turned lights off on sunnier days. The schools also cut back on the amount of times the heat was set to run during the day and also shutting off electrical devices.

Energy Star will recognize the district for its achievement at Monday night’s Board of Education meeting at 7:30 in the Weston Public Library meeting room.

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