Seven QACPS Schools Earn Energy Star Certification

At the Board Meeting on February 7, 2024, Queen Anne’s County Public Schools (QACPS) announced that 7 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 QACPS Chief Operating Officer, Sidney Pinder. “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 over $200,000.00. Just as importantly, the environmental impact is equal to eliminating over 2,210,000 miles driven by the average car or planting about 15,000 trees in our community. We are proud that our program’s success is being recognized by ENERGY STAR.”

To earn ENERGY STAR Certification, buildings must rate in the top 25 percent nationwide for energy efficiency and meet ventilation standards. Seven buildings earning ENERGY STAR Certification include:

The cost of utilities is the second largest budget line-item for QACPS, and the prices for electricity, natural gas, heating oil and water have been steadily increasing. To combat these rising energy and utility costs, QACPS 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, QACPS has reduced its energy consumption by 11%.