MEDIA CONTACT:
Mark Treichel
Hoffman York
(414) 225-9554
mtreichel@hyc.com
– U.S. Congressman Obey extends congratulations on certification –
Madison, Wis. (March 16, 2009) – Focus on Energy, Wisconsin’s energy efficiency and renewable energy initiative, presented Luck School District in Luck, Wis. with a plaque in recognition of earning the United States Green Building Council’s Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification on Friday, March 13. U.S. Congressman David Obey was on-hand during the presentation.
Luck School District is the second school in Wisconsin to receive a LEED certification and achieve this prestigious green building standard on an existing building. LEED standards address whole building maintenance issues including chemicals, energy and water efficiency performance, indoor air quality and recycling programs, among others standards to maximize operational efficiency and minimize environmental impacts.
“These efforts have saved money, reduced energy use and created a cleaner environment,” said Congressman Obey. “I applaud Luck School District for providing the best education that comes from leading by example.”
With the help of Focus on Energy’s expertise and more than $120,000 in cash incentives, Luck School District has saved more than 495,000 kilowatt-hours of electricity and 25,000 therms of natural gas-enough energy to power 75 homes for a year. The district will also save more than $77,000 in energy costs annually. Luck School District’s numerous accomplishments to earn LEED certification include:
* A $2.1 million upgrade to its heating and cooling system.
* Received a Department of Natural Resources grant to help implement an advanced recycling program.
* Started a “green cleaning” program.
* Provided continuing education to teachers though the Focus sponsored K-12 Energy Education Program (KEEP).
* Kept students and teachers from the K-12 district actively involved with projects and monitoring success.
“Focus has provided us with tremendous technical expertise on energy saving technologies,” said Rick Palmer, district superintendent at Luck School District. “The upgrades we’ve made have reduced our energy costs substantially and will teach our children about energy efficiency and reducing their impact on the environment for years to come.”
Focus on Energy offers a range of services to schools and government facilities throughout Wisconsin, including support in developing energy management plans, research into new technologies and locating contractors and financial incentives to help make projects affordable.
For more information, call (800) 762-7077 or visit focusonenergy.com .
About Focus on Energy
Focus on Energy works with eligible Wisconsin residents and businesses to install cost effective energy efficiency and renewable energy projects. Focus information, resources and financial incentives help to implement projects that otherwise would not be completed, or to complete projects sooner than scheduled. Its efforts help Wisconsin residents and businesses manage rising energy costs, promote in-state economic development, protect our environment and control the state’s growing demand for electricity and natural gas. For more information, call (800) 762-7077 or visit focusonenergy.com .
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