Beginning June 23, 1999, Waste Reduction Partner (WPR) engineers worked with the Buncombe County School (BCS) Maintenance Division to identify energy efficiency savings.  A pilot assessment was performed at Erwin High School to demonstrate potential for savings.  Lessons learned from the Erwin High School assessment are being applied to other schools in the system.  WRP recommended over $55,000 in savings to Erwin High School alone.

• Participate in NEEP project sponsored by NCDOE

• Install high efficiency fluorescent lights

• Use cog belts on all HVAC motors

• Implement premium energy efficient motors replacement policy

• Replace kitchen hot water heater with gas model

• Implement demand reductions (load factor improvements)

• Re-examine CP&L rate structures

• Replace electric strip heating unit with gas units

• Implement water efficiency improvements in restroom fixtures

WRP conducted meeting with BCS Board Chairman, Superintendent, Resident Architect, and Maintenance Director before beginning project.  Project findings have been presented to Maintenance Division Management and are scheduled to be presented to Superintendent in late November.

• Maintenance has begun to centrally monitor kW (demand) and 
  track month average load factors. 

• BCS have reviewed all rate structures with CP&L and have changed to more favorable rates on five schools.

• Contracts for lighting upgrades are being considered with financing through CP&L.

• Over capacity electric strip heater banks have be disabled to 
  further reduce demand.

WRP recommends countywide policy in several recommendation areas.  Assessors will continue working closely to identify additional demand reduction strategies. A second BSC facility will be surveyed for energy efficiency savings.