Albuquerque Public Schools
Energy Conservation Program
The Energy Conservation (EC) Program has steadily broadened in reaching ambitious goals
APS’ energy conservation efforts began many years ago with attention to behavior efforts and replacing high energy HVAC and lighting systems with energy-efficient alternatives. And the various conservation programs have certainly gained momentum and in number with every year. However, since the founding of the Water & Energy Conservation Committee (WECC) in 2013, the District’s EC program has grown by leaps and bounds. This has included partnering with the gas, electric, and water utilities; industry leaders; the schools and students; and applicable governmental entities in consolidating all the variables of energy sources, consumption, and education into one comprehensive energy picture that can be managed.
Driven by WECC since 2013, APS’ numerous energy efficiency programs have evolved from a holistic recognition that every drop of leaking water could develop into a large lake, and an infinitesimal amount of wasted electricity can add up to enough wattage to power hundreds of motorboats speed racing on that lake. WECC and the Energy Team have discerned that saving energy means getting down to the minutia of every facet of energy — the delivery systems; the controls on those systems; the users (building occupants) of the systems; the technicians who service and repair the systems; the systems’ design as well as the design of the space the systems cool and heat; when that space is in justifiable use and when the use can be redirected; when and how to most economically purchase the energy; and lastly but most critical to the sustainability of the EC program, participation of the entire energy literate APS populace. It is not only a consolidation of all the variables of energy and energy use, but also the consolidation of the information and education in creating one comprehensive energy strategy that ensures measurable results and cost savings. To date, the District is almost to the halfway mark in meeting its goal of reducing net water consumption by 20% and net energy consumption by 20% by the end of the 2023-2024 school year as compared to an established 2013-14 school year baseline.