Four schools in the Pattonville School District have earned Energy Star certification from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for superior energy performance. Earning recognition were Parkwood and Rose Acres elementary schools, Pattonville Heights Middle School and Pattonville High School. 

Energy Star-certified buildings are verified to perform in the top 25% of buildings nationwide, based on weather-normalized source energy use that takes into account occupancy, hours of operation and other key metrics. Energy Star is the only energy- efficiency certification in the United States that is based on actual, verified energy performance.

Parkwood and Rose Acres’ Energy Star scores were 91, meaning that they are more energy efficient than 91% of similar properties nationwide. Heights’ score was 75, and the high school’s score was 79. 

On average, Energy Star-certified buildings and plants use 35% less energy, cause 35% fewer greenhouse gas emissions and are less expensive to operate than their peers, without sacrifices in performance or comfort.

“We’re honored to earn the Energy Star for superior energy performance at these sites and appreciate the efforts of everyone who has been involved in its efficient operations,” said Ron Orr, Pattonville chief financial officer.

Over the past several years, Pattonville has updated heating and cooling systems, lighting and plumbing fixtures to reduce energy consumption and improve the environment in each building. The heating and cooling improvements also allowed the district to enhance building ventilation and filtration, which are recommended mitigation strategies during the pandemic. These improvements are controlled by a districtwide energy management system, which continually monitors all equipment to ensure the equipment is operating correctly. Pattonville partnered with Navitas to help achieve its energy conservation goals. These efforts included: 

• Working with ESCO, an energy service company, to help manage and improve energy performance;
• Installing energy-efficient lighting systems and controls that improve light quality and reduce heat gain;
• Upgrading heating and cooling equipment to more energy efficient units;
• Using an energy performance contract to guarantee energy savings from upgrades;
• Performing monthly maintenance of heating and cooling equipment to guarantee efficient operation throughout the year;
• Measuring and tracking energy performance; and
• Setting back thermostats at times when the buildings are unoccupied.

Pattonville will continue to use savings from energy efficiencies to pay for building improvements to enhance the learning environment.