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Manchester, N.H. School Conserves Energy and Earns Energy Star 

Release Date: 10/19/2010
Contact Information: Paula Ballentine, 617-918-1027

(Boston, Mass. – October 19, 2010) – The Highland-Goffe’s Falls Elementary School in Manchester, N.H. has earned the Energy Star label. The Energy Star mark of excellence certifies that the school scored in the top 25percent when benchmarked against energy use in similar buildings across the U. S.

Manchester, the largest city in New Hampshire with over 100,000 residents, has benchmarked energy use at 44 municipal buildings, including 22 schools, as part of a city wide effort to reduce energy use. As a member of the EPA New England Community Energy Challenge, Manchester has received assistance from EPA to benchmark their buildings.

The Highland-Goffe’s Falls Elementary School was extensively renovated in the summer of 2009. Energy efficiency items that were implemented to achieve the Energy Star rating of 84 out of 100 include two heat recovery systems mounted on the roof with carbon dioxide fan controls, an energy management system, T-5 fluorescent lighting with motion/occupancy sensors in classrooms, cafeteria, gymnasium, and hallway spaces. Building envelope improvements included roof insulation that exceeded code, insulated ceilings, and exterior doors in the stair areas. Behavior modification included implementation of School District wide energy policy that mandates 68°F for heated areas.

The City of Manchester plans to continue to apply for Energy Star recognition as they complete renovations at additional schools and municipal buildings.

“Making our buildings, including the schools where our children learn, energy efficient is a smart way for New England communities to make a sound investment that will pay dividends for years to come,” said Curt Spalding, regional administrator of EPA’s New England office. “Efficiency measures can save school districts a whopping 30 percent or more on their energy bills each year. These measures make the learning environments more comfortable and productive, while also reducing harmful emissions including greenhouse gases.”

Throughout New England, 181 communities have joined the EPA New England Community Energy Challenge and have committed to reducing their energy use in municipal buildings by 10 percent.

More information on saving energy in New England: https://www.epa.gov/region1/eco/energy/energy-challenge.html

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