Water & energy goals

Water saving and energy conservation goals for 2016-17, and a review of 2015-16 energy conservation goals

2016-17 Water Saving Goals

• Taking advantage of a portfolio of water rights (approximately 382 acres that are currently being used sparingly) drill wells for irrigation purposes at Albuquerque and Valley High School, Los Padillas Elementary School, and Taft, Taylor, Ernie Pyle, and Polk Middle Schools. It is estimated that the cost of drilling the well, over paying the water utility, will pay for itself in approximately two years.
• Research viability of downsizing water meters. The initial cost to install smaller meters where applicable will save money in the long term.
• Convert domestic meters at Highland High School and Jefferson Middle School to irrigation.
• Convert at least four currently grass areas to synthetic turf qualifying for ABCWUA Turfgrass to Synthetic Turf Conversion Program. This rebate is based on the water cost savings of the conversion and allows for $10 per unit of water saved annually up to 50% of the cost of the removal/installation project. A limited number of projects will be able to apply for this rebate annually until the allocated funding is exhausted each year.

2016-17 Energy Conservation Goals

• Expand monitoring of electrical usage and systems at schools District wide.
• Increase utilization of the Facility Scheduling Specialist’s services District wide; increase efforts in collection of community use fees; and expand monitoring of community use of APS facilities.
• Reduce peak demand use and charges.

Status of 2015-16 Energy Conservation Goals

• Recover costs for after-hours facilities use. — Completed and ongoing
• Drive building occupant behavior to be measurably more energy efficient. — Completed and ongoing
• Obtain interval data recording meters (IDRs) at all properties to allow better and more useable utility data for troubleshooting and identifying conservation opportunities. — In progress and ongoing
• Include solar photovoltaic (PV) projects in the Capital Master Plan for broad implementation District wide. — In progress and ongoing; included in each new building construction project
• Gather and analyze building system performance data to inform/influence design choices on new construction and remodel projects. — In progress and ongoing; now a standard procedure
• Improve design standards for solar hot water systems to cultivate an approach that is beneficial and cost-effective. — Completed and monitoring to ensure proper operations
• Develop a school culture that focuses on energy literacy by harnessing the energy of the classroom—the energy of students. — Launched by Energy Conservation Educator; ongoing
• Develop a comprehensive energy management plan for each school in maintaining a sustainable energy conscious school culture. — Launched by Energy Conservation Educator; ongoing
• Establish energy education and awareness programs for school communities. — Completed

This page was last updated on: November 1, 2018.