School districts everywhere are looking for ways to cut costs without compromising teaching and learning. The Newberg School District is one of a growing number of Oregon districts that have discovered that energy efficiency is a powerful way to reduce overhead and create a better environment for students and staff.

With eight aging school and administrative buildings that needed upgrades, the Newberg School District began investing in energy improvements six years ago.
Thanks to Energy Trust advice and $40,000 in incentives, the district has steadily reduced energy and maintenance costs and improved operations.

“We made the capital investment in order to benefit from the long-term savings,” said Nathan Roedel, director of finance and operations, Newberg School District. “Energy-efficiency measures affect operations in positive ways so we have more money to run our schools.”

With its first project in 2007, the district installed energy-efficient kitchen equipment that saves money, conserves water and improves efficiency and food quality.

New ovens are the right height and bake evenly, sprayers have better water flow and a steamer ensures food is prepared properly.

After voters passed a measure in 2011, the district expanded its energy-efficiency investments. With Energy Trust assistance, it upgraded to high-efficiency lighting in most of the gyms, along with occupancy sensors and lighting controls in several buildings.

It also replaced two boilers, added more efficient natural gas heaters in the high school gym and installed carbon dioxide sensors on HVAC systems. Upgrading to a centralized building control network gives the district an efficient way to monitor and control air flow, carbon dioxide levels and temperatures throughout its buildings.

The district also built a new high school building with construction capital from the bond. Energy Trust helped shape project priorities, vision and financing before design began.

Designed to be as carbon-neutral as possible, the building includes skylights for natural light and good insulation. “By having Energy Trust involved in design, we were able to prioritize projects early,” Nathan explained. “Energy-efficient measures incorporated early in the design phase become essential to the project and are unlikely to be removed.”

When the building contractor’s bid came in $1 million over budget, assistance from the Cool Schools program allowed the project to move forward. Administered by the Oregon Department of Energy in collaboration with Energy Trust, the program provided low-cost financing and assistance with energy-saving projects at four Newberg schools.

“Cool Schools salvaged our plans by providing an upfront loan of $1 million,” Nathan said. “We were relieved we didn’t have to cut out projects we were excited about.
Being able to finance new equipment and facilities is a bright spot for us. It’s like a gift to the students and staff.”

Energy Trust of Oregon 2012 Annual Report