SCS lauded for energy savings

5/13/2014

Schoharie Central School District was one of only two districts noted in a report issued by the New York State Comptroller's Office to project significant savings through an energy performance contract, without the use of state aid or other grants to fund the program.
Schoharie Central projects a savings of $2.19 million dollars in energy costs over the life of a contract with AMERESCO.
"This kind of savings would not be possible without the excellent collaboration between our staff, our architects at Mosaic Associates, and the energy performance contract provider AMERESCO," said Schoharie Superintendent Brian D. Sherman. "Work between our maintenance staff and the technicians and management staff at AMERESCO has been absolutely seamless."
As one example, Mr. Sherman described the effect of infra-red heating units installed in the district's bus garage as "phenomenal." Aside from savings on heating costs, we are able to bring the buses into the garage after a heavy snowfall to quickly melt off the snow. In aviation terms, less weight and less drag leads to greater mileage efficiency, which also reduces costs."
Mr. Sherman added, "The extensive request for proposal (RFP) process followed by our work with AMERESCO made a world of difference, as evidenced in the Comptroller's report. Schoharie Central's Board of Education and staff are very proud of the accomplishment. We want the best for our students and staff, while always looking to save on costs for our taxpayers. This is welcome news."
Middleburgh Central School District was noted in a regional report by the Comptroller for also projecting significant savings over their energy performance contract.