Birdville ISD’s Energy Conservation Success Earns EPA ENERGY STAR Certification Healthier, More Efficient Buildings for Improved Learning

Birdville ISD recently announced that 26 buildings have earned EPA’s ENERGY STAR® Certification. This recognition is presented to the most energy efficient buildings in the country. 

“We are extremely pleased to receive this recognition from ENERGY STAR,” said Birdville ISD Superintendent Dr. Gayle Stinson. “It’s proof we’re operating healthier, more efficient buildings for our students and community.” 

“Our energy conservation efforts are saving taxpayer dollars while also helping protect the local environment. Since partnering with Cenergistic on a comprehensive energy conservation program we have saved $5.22 million. Just as importantly, the environmental impact is equal to taking 21,756 cars off the street or planting 486,218 trees in our community. We are proud that our program success is being recognized by ENERGY STAR.” ENERGY STAR Certification was awarded to 26 BISD buildings including: Academy at C.F. Thomas, Binion, Birdville, Foster Village, Francisco, Green Valley, Hardeman, Holiday Heights, Mullendore, Porter, Smith, Snow Heights, Spicer, Stowe, Walker Creek, Watauga, and West Birdville elementary schools; Haltom, North Richland, North Oaks, North Ridge, Richland, and Watauga middle schools; and Birdville, Haltom and Richland high schools. 

To earn ENERGY STAR Certification, buildings must rate in the top 25 percent nationwide for energy efficiency and meet ventilation standards. The cost of utilities is the second largest budget line-item for BISD, and the prices for electricity, natural gas, heating oil and water have been steadily increasing. To combat these rising energy and utility costs, the District entered a partnership with Cenergistic to implement a comprehensive organizational behavior-driven energy conservation program throughout all its buildings and campuses. Cenergistic guarantees the conservation program will save taxpayer dollars. Since the program was first implemented, BISD has reduced its energy consumption by 16 percent. 

Birdville ISD’s comprehensive energy conservation program addresses energy use throughout the organization. Energy specialists track energy consumption at all campuses through state-of-the-art technology to identify and correct areas where energy is over-used. Laron Street and Chris Latimer work closely with district personnel as well as Cenergistic engineers and experts to continually optimize systems and schedules. Together they monitor energy use with advanced technology and shape energy-using practices through education — affecting how each person in the organization understands, uses and saves energy for years to come. The outcome is healthier, more efficient buildings using less energy — and lower related costs.