When Newberg voters approved a school district bond in May 2011, increasing energy efficiency was part of the $27.1 million package.  Outdated electrical and inefficient heating and ventilation systems were costing the school district thousands of dollars in operating costs.

In the 2008-09 school year, the school district spent $832,065 on electricity, heating fuel and gas to keep 11 school facilities warm and bright.

Passage of the school bond provided funds to install heating and ventilating energy controls in all schools, replace single pane windows, install utility regulators, replace inefficient lighting and increase door and building insulation.

Forward to the 2014-15 school year and the utility costs show a different picture. Despite increasing the total square footage of school facilities by 21,287 square feet with the addition of the Springbrook Education Center, the school district’s energy bill was $765,089. That’s $76,976 savings in energy costs since the bond was passed according to Larry Hampton, district Operations and Safety Coordinator.

That savings has not gone unnoticed. Tom Simpson, NW Natural Gas Major Accounts Manager, praised the district’s efforts for its decline in consumption from 190,563 therms from three years ago to 127,284 therms last year.

Hampton adds that the district continues to increase energy efficiencies – eliminating air leaks, adding gas regulators and using less fuel. He says that repairing and replacing outdated HVAC units is the current challenge.