Conserving at SPS: District Facilities

• Lighting Retrofits
  In order to increase lighting efficiency throughout the district, most facilities underwent lighting retrofits. T12 fluorescent lights were changed to T8 lights which are up to 40% more efficient. In most exit signs, inefficient incandescent bulbs have been replaced with low wattage LED lights.
• More Efficient Operation of Heating/Cooling Systems
  Facilities throughout the district are being heated and cooled (where applicable) more efficiently through the utilization of standardized set-points. In general, rooms are heated at 68 degrees and cooled at 76 degrees. The heating, cooling, and lighting schedule is continuously evaluated and adjusted to more closely reflect hours of operation. For more information, click here.
• Boiler Tune-Ups
  In 2003, 2005, and 2008 boiler tune-ups were conducted in a number of schools. Flue gases were analyzed to determine the best mix of fuel and air in order to determine maximum efficiency. Boilers are inspected and cleaned annually. These measures help reduce the amount of boiler fuel that would otherwise be wasted.
• Water Saving Sink, Toilet, and Urinal Retrofits
  In most facilities, water efficient toilets and urinals have been installed. These retrofits cut water use in half for every flush! Low flow aerators are being installed on hand washing sinks for increased water conservation, reducing the gallons per minute to 0.5 from 2.2 gmp in some cases.
• Vending Machines
  In order to conserve energy, VendingMiser® equipment was installed on all vending machines beginning in 2005. This equipment utilizes a motion sensor, similar to those on light switches, that allows the machine to go into an low energy mode when nobody is present. This technology has resulted in substantial energy savings throughout the year and continues to do so.
• Scheduled Computer Shut-Down
  Beginning in 2004, computers throughout the District have been turned off automatically using Verdiem's SURVEYOR software. With busy staff schedules, it is very easy to accidentally leave a computer on which continues to use energy when not in use. This software allows the District to globally turn off computers at a predetermined time and has saved the district about $70,000 per year! For more information, please click here.
• Green Building Practices
  The district currently follows the required actions in the Washington State Sustainable Protocol for new construction.
• Rebate & Grant Procurement
  The Seattle School District works closely with local utility companies to maximize our rebate and grant opportunities. With support from Puget Sound Energy, Seattle City Light, and Seattle Public Utilities the District received over $35,000 for our conservation efforts in 2005/06 and $40,000 in 2006/07!
• Conscientious Custodians
  Our custodians play a very important role in resource conservation throughout the District. They are involved in the day-to-day operation of our buildings and we rely on them to ensure that the building is running efficiently. We appreciate each and every custodian and honored 5 outstanding custodial engineers in 2006/07. Special thanks to Franci Fretheim at West Woodland, Theresa Grimm at Washington, David Hodsdon at Garfield, Jan Opland at Greenwood, and Robert Schreck at Northgate.
• Shared Savings Program
  The Shared Savings Program is an incentive program that allows schools to directly benefit from their utility savings. Beginning in September 2005, utility use has been tracked and analyzed for each school. For every 1% reduction in total utility use at the end of 2006/07 (up to our 5% goal), money will be given to the school to invest in future conservation efforts. Click here for more information about the program.
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• Environmental Clubs
  Many schools have environmental clubs that take on a variety of projects related to conservation. These clubs are typically student run with the help of an advisor or teacher. For more information on starting your own club, contact us. You may also want to elicit the help of an outside organization for alternative support.
• The Green Team
  The Green Team is a grassroots volunteer group of teachers, parents, and community members that works with schools and communities to support a variety of conservation efforts. For more information on joining the team please visit their website at http://seattlegreenschools.org.
• Lunchroom Composting
  Lawton, Laurelhurst, West Woodland, Muir, Salmon Bay, and Concord currently have commercial composting programs that are student run and school supported. More schools are starting their own composting programs every year. Many of these programs pay for themselves with the amount of money saved through reduction in their garbage costs. For more information, click here.
• Recycling Programs
  Getting your recyclables into the recycling bin is everyone's responsibility. Taking the recycling "to the curb" varies depending on the school. In some schools, an environmental club is responsible for putting the recycling into the dumpster. In others, special education students take on the task. In many schools, the custodian takes the recycling from the blue bins to the dumpster.
• Recycling Coordinators
  Recycling education is something that needs to be reinforced often. Many schools have a volunteer recycling coordinator that acts as a liaison between the school and a Resource Conservation Specialist. They help make recycling a top priority at the school and may be a staff member, parent, or student. With their help, the school's recycling needs are quickly addressed. To find out if your school has a recycling coordinator or to become one yourself, please contact us.
• Alternative Support
  There are many school programs that are outside of the District's capacity to fund and staff. Many schools have independently won grant or award money for their conservation programs. Some schools also choose to solicit support from outside groups or nonprofit organizations. For a list of resources, click here.
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At John Stanford Center for Educational Excellence (JSCEE)
Many conservation efforts are currently under way at JSCEE. If you have a program or are conserving in other ways, please share them with us. Your example can be an inspiration for others.

• Anti-Idling Policy Adopted
  Idling of vehicles is no longer permitted in any of the parking lots at JSCEE. Idling is a health hazard and waste of resources that emits greenhouse gasses. For more information, click here.
• Phase-out of Personal Appliances
  In order to save energy, JSCEE is in the process of phasing out personal appliances like mini-fridges and space heaters. Turning off personal appliances can save $525 a year, per office space! (If you are a staff member at JSCEE and have a personal appliance you feel is necessary, you may complete a Request for Personal Appliance form.)
• Publicizing District-Wide Conservation Efforts
  Progress of district-wide conservation efforts is on display at each floor of JSCEE. This information is updated periodically as well as news, announcements, and updates related to conservation. Please contact us with any comments or suggestions.
• Paper Reduction
  Copy machines automatically default to double-sided copying. Computers are voluntarily set to default to double-sided printing. To set your printing default to double-sided, click on File, Print, then click Properties. Click on the Finishing tab, select 2-sided Printing, and click Okay.
• Sink Aerators
  Bathroom and kitchen sinks have been fitted with new aerators to conserve water. The updated faucets now use only 0.5 gallons of water per minute (gpm), compared to previous use of 2.2 gpm!
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Updated 8/28/08