Albert Lea Area Schools announced Aug. 19 the federal government’s Energy Star Program has bestowed the prestigious Energy Star Label on each of the seven schools in the district. The K-12 buildings have earned the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s prestigious Energy Star, the national symbol for protecting the environment through superior energy performance. The Albert Lea Area Schools join approximately 4,100 buildings nationwide that have earned the Energy Star.

“We are extremely pleased to receive this recognition from Energy Star,” said Albert Lea School District Superintendent Dr. David Prescott. “Our energy conservation efforts are saving taxpayer dollars while helping protect our local environment. Since our district began partnering with Energy Education on an energy conservation program we have saved $1,012,000 and the environmental impact is equal to taking 2,283 cars off the street or planting 4,733 acres of trees in our community. We are proud that our energy savings success is being recognized by Energy Star.”

The schools receiving the Energy Star awards are Albert Lea Sr. High School, Brookside Education Center, Southwest Middle School, Halverson Elementary School, Hawthorne Elementary School, Lakeview Elementary School and Sibley Elementary School. To be awarded an Energy Star Label, school buildings must rate in the top 25 percent nationwide for energy efficiency.

The cost of utilities is the second largest line-item for the Albert Lea Area Schools, and the prices for utilities have been steadily increasing. To combat these rising energy and utility costs, the district entered into a partnership with Energy Education, Inc., to implement a comprehensive people-driven energy conservation program throughout all its buildings. Energy Education guarantees the conservation program will save taxpayer dollars. Since the program was first implemented, Albert Lea Area Schools has saved 25 percent on its energy and utility costs.

“Every staff member has been a part of a daily effort to improve the environment and save money district-wide, said Steve Lund, district energy manager. “There are dozens and dozens of changes, large and small, that we have implemented that are saving energy without affecting our comfort or educational goals. We have all gained a real sense of accomplishment from this Energy Star recognition.”