Charlotte Observer
October 11, 2007

Catawba County

System celebrates energy savings

Catawba County Schools was recently recognized as being among the best in the state at saving energy. Last year, the school system reduced its expected utilities cost by 34.5 percent. Energy Education Director Tony Cox recently made a presentation to the board of education, pointing out three keys to the successful savings effort.

"It takes a committed school board and administration, a partnership with a professional consultant, and dedicated school faculty and staff who all believe in saving for our students," he said in a release. "Catawba County Schools is blessed with all three."

Catawba County Schools partnered with Energy Education Inc., a national energy conservation company, on the project. Cox encouraged schools to use energy sensibly during the school day and eliminate wasteful practices.

Performance among individual schools was tracked and compared to make costs visible and spot savings opportunities.

Banoak Elementary School, Maiden Middle School and Bunker Hill High School were top in their categories in reducing energy costs. Maiden Middle posted outstanding results of more than 58 percent less energy used compared with the previous school year.

The county's newest and largest high school, Maiden High, incorporated many energy-efficient "green" features into its construction. Maiden High's utility costs were significantly under budget, and Cox said it was one of the most efficient schools in the district.