Monticello School District Recognized as Top Energy Saver

Monticello, IL is home to one of the top 25 energy efficient high schools in the nation. The school district partnered with Johnson Controls to help guide them through energy efficiency improvements to its buildings. The schools were suffering from various problems including aging equipment, poor indoor air quality, varying temperature levels, and out-of-date lighting systems.

Johnson Controls guaranteed $3.86 million in energy and operational savings over the following 10 years. This agreement allowed the school district to pay for some of the facility improvements with savings it gained from the energy-efficient upgrades. According to Superintendent Mike Reeves, “Natural gas prices wrecked some school districts, but it didn’t wreck us. Ten years ago… it would have been devastating.”

The amount of savings achieved through smart investments is incredible. Many school systems throughout the country are suffering from strained budgets that have forced cutting teachers, extra-curricular activities, and afterschool programs. The Monticello School District has found away to ease the need to cut jobs by cutting their energy costs.

Via EnergyStar.gov