Canyons, Park City districts get federal funds to go green

SALT LAKE CITY — Two Utah school districts have received federal stimulus money to make energy-efficient improvements to their buildings, and several more recipients will likely be announced in the weeks and months to come.

The grants and loans were awarded through the Utah State Energy Program — a section of the Utah Geological Survey — which allocated $5 million for green school improvements.

Canyons District received $740,000 to make energy-conscious changes, and Park City received $152,000.

"I feel very fortunate that our grant was accepted and we were able to move forward so quickly," said Christopher Eppler, energy specialist for Canyons.

The district wrapped up work last weekend on switching out lights and light fixtures in the classrooms and hallways of Alta High. Canyons, the first of the awarded districts to complete a project, has two other projects in the works with plans to replace the lights at Jordan High and make improvements to Eastmont Middle School next summer. In addition to being more efficient while running, the classroom lights have motion sensors and turn off automatically when people leave the room.

Districts statewide submitted applications to the Utah State Energy Program in March. Applications for the Formula Grants were reviewed by a committee consisting of members of the Utah Geological Survey, the State Office of Education and former staff of the State Energy Program, among others. Districts could choose to accept grant money or take grant money coupled with a zero-interest loan. Both Canyons and Park City opted to take the grant/loan combination.

"We had an outstanding response," said William Chatwin, energy-efficiency coordinator for the State Energy Program. Seventeen of the state's 41 districts submitted applications, proposing a total of 71 projects. The State Energy Program has awarded about 10 districts funding to implement more than 35 energy-efficient projects, though most of them aren't finalized.

"The awards are out there, but the projects aren't necessarily set in stone," Chatwin said.

At Park City High, the Eccles Center for the Performing Arts will be refitted with high-efficiency LED lights that will save the district an estimated $5,000 a year in electrical costs plus labor over the course of their life, according to a district news release. It's estimated that the lights will last twice as long as the lights the district is currently using.

McPolin and Jeremy Ranch elementary schools will have their heating, cooling and electrical systems tuned up and adjusted to achieve "optimal efficiency."

The district estimates its three projects will reduce CO2 emissions by more than 633,000 pounds and save close to $21,000 per year.

"It has always been my goal to make Park City School District a leader in energy conservation," said Steve Oliver, director of support services for the district.

Canyons' Eppler estimates the lighting bills at Alta High will be reduced by 43 percent through the recent changes.

e-mail: mfarmer@desnews.com