Covina-Valley Unified’s Energy Conservation Program Earns EPA ENERGY STAR Recognitions

COVINA, CA – Covina-Valley Unified School District has been honored with ENERGY STAR certifications from the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for its dedication to sustainable and fiscally responsible practices through its comprehensive energy conservation program.

Twelve C-VUSD school sites earned ENERGY STAR certifications for meeting ventilation standards set by the EPA and rating in the top 25 percent nationwide for energy efficiency. The District’s ENERGY STAR-certified facilities are proven to save energy and money, and help protect the environment by generating fewer greenhouse gas emissions than typical buildings.

Through its partnership with Cenergistic, an energy conservation company, the District created a comprehensive conservation program to protect the environment and save taxpayer dollars. The District has saved more than $1 million since the launch of the program two years ago.

“The cost of utilities continues to increase, and our energy conservation program helps us combat those rising costs and provide needed funding elsewhere in the District,” C-VUSD Chief Business Officer Manuel Correa said. “We are so proud of this recognition from ENERGY STAR, which really shows the value of our energy conservation program in helping us care for the environment and stretching our valuable tax dollars.”

Covina, Fairvalley, and South Hills high schools; Las Palmas and Traweek middle schools; and Barranca, Ben Lomond, Cypress, Grovecenter, Manzanita, Mesa, and Workman elementary schools all received ENERGY Star certification.

C-VUSD addresses energy use Districtwide through its partnership with Cenergistic, whose specialists track energy consumption at all campuses through state-of-the-art technology and then work to identify and correct areas where energy is overused. The District’s program aims to reduce energy use and related costs by educating District staff so each person understands, uses, and saves energy as part of their daily lives.

“These ENERGY STAR Certifications are proof of Covina-Valley Unified’s commitment to the health of our students and staff, sustainability, and fiscal responsibility with taxpayer dollars,” Superintendent Dr. Elizabeth Eminhizer said. “Our staff has embraced our energy conservation program and we are dedicated to operating healthier, more efficient buildings for our community.”