Not all energy-saving plans are created equal; some greening measures clearly rise to the top of the list of best practices. We talked to energy experts and district IT directors who have undertaken data-greening efforts, and from these conversations we were able to identify five essential elements to any data center greening initiative.
IBM and City University of New York have teamed up to develop a new analytics tool that's designed to help New York's public schools save on energy costs. The conservation program will also be used to give a boost to STEM education in the city's K-12 schools.
Advances in automated energy-management systems are producing big cuts in heating, ventilation, and A/C costs.
- By Jennifer Grayson
- 03/21/11
The goal is to improve processes by converting form-heavy work into digital workflows. But as this California school district is discovering, finding the right technology is really only the first step.
- By Dian Schaffhauser
- 03/17/11
The Lodi Unified School District in California has begun construction of a 2 megawatt solar photovoltaic system that will generate $200,000 annually.
Copper Ridge School in Scottsdale, AZ and Cholla Elementary in Casa Grande have completed the installation of solar electric systems with a combined power output of 764 kilowatts.
Irvine Unified School District in Southern California is ramping up its green efforts by installing fuel cells on two of its high school campuses. The district has already launched a solar power initiative that will place photovoltaic arrays on several sites; the fuel cells will be used to heat facilities and to generate extra power.
Chicago Public Schools has developed and begun implementing a comprehensive strategy for going green, one that encompasses information technology, facilities, and education to reduce the district's environmental impact, cut operating costs, and help build students' awareness of the environment.
- By Bridget McCrea
- 03/03/11
The New Paltz Central School District in New York is launching a series of energy efficiency upgrades expected to save $258,461 a year.
The Somerset Hills School District in New Jersey has kicked off an Energy Saving Improvement Program project that is expected to save more than $5.2 million over fifteen years.
The Pasadena Independent School District in Texas has completed construction on three solar installations that are expected to save approximately $15,000 a year.
San Dieguito Union High School District in California has completed a 2 megawatt solar project that is expected to save $10 million over the life of the installation.
A statewide initiative is underway in Idaho to tune up all of the state's K-12 schools and make them more energy-efficient.
- By Bridget McCrea
- 02/17/11
This summer Lady Bird Johnson Middle School, part of Irving Independent School District in Texas, will go online with a new 582 kilowatt solar installation. The move is part of a plan to make the school the largest "net zero middle school in the United States," according to the district.
A private, all-girl elementary school in New Jersey is getting its own solar installation with the help of a state program that finances clean energy projects.