As technology is improving and buildings are aging, saving money and conserving energy have become necessities in today’s economy. There are many ways to analyze precisely how much energy is being utilized and where money is being spent.

An example of this is an energy audit. An energy audit is a comprehensive assessment and analysis of the money a school spends on energy as well as utilities. Often, after conducting an energy audit building owners and those that utilize the building will learn ways to increase efficiency and save money.

After analysis of recent data from the 2013-14 school year, it is apparent that there are minor discrepancies and variations in data from 2012. However, such differences do not affect the overall accuracy of the report. Visual representation A (above) clearly outlines the electrical energy cost breakdown at Proviso Mathematics and Science Academy. Combined, area lighting and fans comprise 70% of total electrical energy costs, a total of $265,344. Visual representation B (below) indicates that Proviso Mathematics and Science Academy pays $2/square foot for energy costs, which is double the amount that the average school pays.

Proviso Mathematics and Science Academy utilizes a great deal of energy, close to half a million dollars as of 2012. This number is close to double the cost of buildings of comparable size. While a portion of the issue is correlated to the sheer age and size of the building, there are many measures that can be taken to lessen the energy consumption and expenditure on a yearly basis. A solution that requires little to no monetary expenditure up front is simply setting timers on the lighting systems across the school and alerting staff of the prospective money that could be saved by conserving that energy, and outlining incentives for the faculty. Additionally, it is important to note that 46% of the school’s utilities expenses are correlated to the current fan system. Several measures can be taken to lessen this cost, such as replacement or repair of fans. By taking energy conservation measures, such as those outlined above, we can reduce the $/sf cost from $2/sf to $1.5/sf. Studies have projected that these measures will reduce the total electrical energy cost by more than $100,000.

Introduction Conclusion

Analysis of Energy Usage at Proviso Mathematics and Science Academy and Proposed Solutions

Khushi Singh Suri Proviso Mathematics and Science Academy

Results

Methods •  Garner information on the importance of

energy conservation attempts in a school environment.

•  Review and synthesize an energy audit conducted by Smart Energy Design Assistance Center (SEDAC) for PMSA in 2012.

•  Compare expenses for the 2013-14 school year to expenses in 2012 and accommodate for drastic changes in data.

•  Propose expense-free, low expense, and rapid pay-back solutions for the school.

•  Comprise a list of grants PMSA is eligible for and formulate sample applications.

Khushi is currently a junior in high school and a member of the Illinois State Board of Education Student Advisory Council. She spends her free time volunteering at the Brookfield Zoo and reading. She’s interested in environmental engineering and environmental law. Contact her via email: khushisinghsuri@gmail.com

Attached: Comprehensive list of eligible energy-related grants for Proviso Mathematics and Science Academy as well as sample grant applications. Refer to related documents and/or contact the researcher.

“Arealigh+ng”and“fans”comprise70%oftotal

electricalenergycosts.

Source:SEDAC

A.ElectricalEnergyCostBreakdown

•  Cheng, Jian-Ye. SEDAC Level 3 Energy and Feasibility Report for PMSA. Rep. Champaign, IL: SEDAC, 2012. Print.

•  Wulfinghoff, Donald. (2000). Energy Efficiency Manual. Energy Institute Press.•  Clark, William. (1998) Retrofitting for energy conservation. Mc Graw Hill.•  Krarti, M. (2000). Energy audit of building systems: an engineering approach. CRC Press.•  "Discover A Better Way of Working." Discover A Better Way of Working. N.p., n.d. Web. 22 Apr. 2014.•  "Greening Schools - Resources - Energy - Audits." Greening Schools News. N.p., n.d. Web. 22 Apr.

2014.

Sources

B.Comparisonof$/sfofVariousHighSchoolsinRelaAontoPMSA

Source:SEDAC

3.19