|
Big Savings on Campus
At BPU, we're always looking for new ways to help the Kansas
City community conserve energy and save money. Recently, we've
had opportunities to help make several local schools more energy
efficient, create better learning environments and save taxpayers
money. Thanks to some terrific teamwork by community leaders,
our schools are well on their way to earning an "A" in energy
savings.
Kansas City Kansas Community College
In 1992, Kansas City Kansas Community College (KCKCC) used nearly
10 million kilowatt hours of electricity. With aggressive plans
for growth of the campus and dramatic increases in electricity prices,
KCKCC had to do something to get costs under control. So they asked
BPU to help them develop a new heating and cooling system that would
help reduce their energy consumption and monthly expenses. Backed
by strong cost incentives, BPU helped KCKCC investigate and purchase
a new Energy Management System (EMS) and implement other energy
savings technology. To date, the system has been retrofitted into
14 existing buildings and installed into new buildings as they were
designed.
As a result, the school has actually reduced energy usage to
pre-1992 levels. Instead of spending $2 million on utilities,
the school's annual budget for electricity and water is $915,000.
"BPU's efforts have literally saved us hundreds of thousands
of dollars," says Larry Seal, KCKCC Director of Buildings and
Grounds.
In addition to the incredible cost savings, the school also loves
the overall performance and efficiency of the EMS system.
Kansas City, Kansas Public School District
500
In April 2001, taxpayers in Wyandotte County approved a $120
million Bond Program to upgrade and install new heating and cooling
systems, upgrade building envelopes and bring technology into
the school district 500 public schools. BPU worked with the school
district to upgrade HVAC systems in a total of 58 buildings -
many of which did not previously have air conditioning - over
the course of several years. The aggressive schedule called for
the majority of the work to be performed during summer breaks.
At its peak, approximately 3,000 people were working on energy
improvements in the district at once. As a result of exceptional
teamwork, good planning and dedication, the program went according
to schedule, with each school having air conditioning on the first
day of classes.
By 2007, a total of 85 electrical improvements had been made
to buildings in the Kansas City, Kansas District 500 Public School
system, and more than 3.5 million square feet of building space
had been upgraded with air conditioning - all without causing
any disruptions to classes.
"This project was an enormous undertaking," notes Cindy Lane, the
district's Assistant Superintendent of Public Affairs. "BPU was
a key part of the design and implementation process. I'm very pleased
at how well it all came together and the amount of money the school
district will save through more efficient energy consumption."
BPU anticipates the school district will save $3 million over
six to seven years, thanks to reduced operations costs. The district
has already received $2.6 million in rebates over six years of
this program.
Delaware Ridge Elementary
Bonner Springs, Kan. is growing, thanks to its proximity to new
entertainment attractions and an influx of new housing developments.
So, in spring 2005, Bonner Springs School District 204 taxpayers
passed a $18.7 million bond issue to pay for school renovations
and the construction of a new elementary school. BPU worked closely
with school district representatives to help deliver the best
energy solution possible. As a result of teamwork and preplanning,
the new Delaware Ridge Elementary School has helped promote further
economic development in the southwest portion of Wyandotte County
and Kansas City, Kan. Simultaneously, it's achieved impressive
results in energy conservation and operational savings for the
school district with an all-electric solution.
A total of 58 ground-sourced heat pumps were installed at the
site, forming the backbone of Delaware Ridge's HVAC system. With
66 water wells drawing water from a depth of 400 feet and a circulation
capacity of 730 gallons per minute, the heat pumps can cool the
air in the summer and warm it in the winter with exceptional efficiency.
The school also installed energy-efficient lighting and an Electronic
Management System - all in time for fall 2007 classes.
"This is truly a win-win situation," notes George Powell, Director
of Economic Development and Retail Services with BPU. "The community
gets the school it needs. The city and developers spur more growth.
The building design conserves energy. And taxpayers save a lot of
money in operational costs."
The Last Drop
The world's supply of water is shrinking. Right here in Kansas,
the demand for water is frequently greater than the available
supply. Soon, many parts of the world will face severe water shortages
unless something is done to avoid this oncoming crisis. The good
news is that with just a few simple changes, we can save as much
as three trillion gallons and $17 billion per year. With the average
family of four using about 400 gallons of water a day, we all
have many opportunities to conserve. Here are a few things that
you can do to help save water and reduce your utility bills:
Fix Leaks
You could potentially save more than 100,000 gallons and $250
annually by fixing water leaks in your house. To test for leaks,
note your water meter reading. Keep your water off for one hour
and check again. If the reading changes, you have a leak.
Go Low-Flow
If you have an old showerhead, replace it with a low-flow model
and save about 2.5 gallons per minute. To save even more, try
shaving a minute or two off your shower time. You'll add nearly
$100 to your wallet.
Replace Old Toilets
Toilets sold before 1994 use 3.5 gallons or more per flush. Today's
toilets use 1.6 gallons or less. That's about two gallons, down
the drain with every flush. By making this change you can save
about $28 a year. This is one investment that will pay for itself
in no time.
Turn Off the Faucet
We've all done it. But did you know that running the water while
brushing your teeth or combing your hair wastes more than two
gallons of water? Even more when shaving! Turn off the tap and
help save 8,540 gallons per year.
Do a Full Load
Combine your laundry as much as possible and always do full loads.
You'll not only spend less time working, you'll use less water.
And if you're in the market for a new washer, be sure to choose
an Energy Star or WaterSense model, which use about 38 percent
less than standard machines.
Go to the Car Wash
Many commercial car washes recycle water, so visiting the car
wash once a month uses less water than using the hose at home.
If that doesn't appeal to you, use a bucket of water and a hose
with an automatic shutoff to help conserve.
Don't Drown Your Lawn
Sensors that trigger sprinklers to shut off when it rains can
cut outdoor water use by about 15 percent. Rain sensors are available
at home and garden stores for less than $30 and install easily
on sprinkler clocks.
Chill Out
If you wait for your kitchen faucet to run cold, you're watching
more than a gallon of water go down the drain each minute. Keep
a pitcher of water in the refrigerator instead.
Don't Get Hosed
Use a broom instead of a hose to clean your driveway or sidewalk.
You'll save up to 1,200 gallons a year.
By making these simple changes, you can help save up to 185,000
gallons of water and $400 per year! Best of all, you'll help ensure
there will be enough water for everyone in the future.
Source: Body & Soul Omnimedia, Inc.
Electric Savings Tips
The energy used in the average home can be responsible for more
than twice the greenhouse gas emissions of the average car. Take
some simple steps to reduce your electrical use and save money!
|
