One sore spot for me is the new HS extravagant use of energy, around $100K in electric bills the first year for instance. It appears that conservation and saving power and heat were not considered in the design.
In the future, as energy costs escalate and oil rises above $100 a barrel (not to mention the ethical questions of carbon neutrality in a warming world) we'd be wise to consider efficiency and alternative energy sources for school buildings. The Middle school and crumbling elementary schools are possibilities for this.
It turns out there are programs for this in our great Commonwealth - green schools is one small program and a start for looking at this issue. Here are some more links regarding this issue from the northeast sustainable energy association, including many ideas for making schools greener. Energy cost should be one of the factors we consider seriously for any projects going forward; whole building design link is here.
Thinking and acting progressively in this area will not only save the town money, it will show our commitment to leaving the children with a better world in the future as well.
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