Rootstown Local School District Cuts Utility Costs to Save More Than $1 Million

ROOTSTOWN, Ohio, March 29, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Rootstown Local School District and Chevron Energy Solutions today announced the completion of a collaborative energy conservation project that will reduce energy costs for operations at its three schools in Rootstown, which could save the District more than $1 million over the life of the project. The new project includes district-wide lighting system upgrades; a boiler replacement at Rootstown Middle School; a building automation system retrofit at all facilities; and replacement of the gymnasium bleachers at Rootstown High School in time for the first home basketball game. The project is expected to cut the district's utility usage by 23 percent and provide other benefits, including an improved learning environment, improved lighting quality and aesthetics, reduced maintenance costs and consistent indoor climate quality.

Chevron Energy Solutions designed and engineered the facility improvements under an Ohio HB-264 project, which allowed the District to shift dollars already spent for utilities to pay for needed improvements.

"In the current fiscal environment, it is very commendable that the Board of Education and Administration at Rootstown Local Schools could proactively use money from their current utility budget to make much needed facilities improvements without the need for dipping into their general funds," said George Locher, Jr., Ohio Area Manager for Chevron Energy Solutions.

"These improvements will be paid for by the resulting savings in utility and operational costs, and the energy savings are guaranteed by Chevron Energy Solutions; thus no new district operating funds are being used," said Andrew Hawkins, superintendent, Rootstown Local School District.  "These facility improvements will lead to a safer and more productive learning environment at no additional cost to the citizens of Rootstown."

Through energy efficiency improvements, Rootstown Local School District is reducing its purchase of electricity and natural gas and, in turn, reducing carbon emissions by more than 319 metric tons, equivalent to planting more than 69 acres of trees.

"We are proud to join forces with others, like Rootstown Local School District, who share in our quest of sustainability and energy conservation," said Jim Davis, President of Chevron Energy Solutions. "Rootstown Local School District is demonstrating fiscal and environmental leadership by improving their energy efficiency while also improving the learning environment for students."

About Chevron Energy Solutions

Chevron Energy Solutions is one of the largest installers of solar power in the U.S. education market and has developed hundreds of projects that improve energy efficiency and provide renewable power for education, government and business facilities. Chevron Energy Solutions develops and builds sustainable energy projects that increase energy efficiency and renewable power, reduce energy costs, and ensure reliable, high-quality energy for government, education and business facilities. Its parent, Chevron Corporation, is investing across the energy spectrum to develop energy sources for future generations by expanding the capabilities of alternative and renewable energy technologies. Chevron has spent approximately $4.4 billion on renewable energy and efficiency since 2002, and expects to spend $2.2 billion in this area between 2011 and 2013.

About Rootstown Local School District

The Rootstown Local School District has been rated as an EXCELLENT school district by the Ohio Department of Education for two consecutive years.  Rootstown Schools, in collaboration with the community, will provide a quality education in a safe environment for students to become productive, life-long learners. "Building Futures.... One Child At A Time"

Contact:
Ken Pimental, Chevron Energy Solutions, 415.733.4673
Andrew Hawkins, Rootstown Local School District, 330.325.4101

SOURCE Chevron Energy Solutions; Rootstown Local School District