EduCon, a Winston-Salem based energy conservation consulting company, partnered with Yadkin County Public Schools in 2005 to help the system reduce energy consumption and costs.

Results at the end of that seven year collaboration show the school system’s commitment achieved an adjusted cost savings of almost $1.5 million, a 20 percent reduction. In addition, all 13 schools and the administration building have earned the coveted Energy Star Award.

“The Yadkin County School system is a true testament to everyone coming together to save energy and money,” said Nelson Jessup, EduCon, chief executive officer. “The board of education and administration were committed to reducing energy usage and costs and that shows as the savings numbers for the administration building mirror the average school reductions, which is not always the case. Leaders selected an outstanding energy manager and he was given the support necessary to implement an exemplary program with the help of EduCon. “

Among the savings include an 18 percent reduction of electricity usage and a 14 percent decrease in heating oil consumption. On top of those savings, the carbon dioxide emissions (CO2) have been reduced by 17.7 million pounds. “That’s the equivalent to 1,180 cars or planting 2,412 acres of trees,” said Jessup.

“We are extremely proud of our students and staff who worked diligently, year after year, to help our school system save money during these tough economic times,” said Dr. Stewart Hobbs, Superintendent, Yadkin County Schools. “Energy costs continue to increase and account for a large percentage of our school system’s budget. So we are thankful to determine ways to save and in turn address other critical school system needs.”

EduCon works closely with a school system’s energy manager to examine all areas of energy consumption. Energy Master Pro, an energy tracking software, is utilized to analyze trends, identify potential problems, provide reports, calculate energy and dollar savings and provide a basis for important energy management decisions.

The major emphasis for EduCon’s energy program is based on school employees and students. “Many energy conservation programs fail to get desired results because they emphasize only technology and equipment and do not involve the people who occupy the buildings,” said Jessup. “While EduCon does help school systems utilize the right equipment and technology, our major emphasis of ensuring the intelligent consumption of energy, must primarily involve people.“

“The changes that EduCon helped us make did not require additional staff time, effort, costs nor sacrifice of safety and comfort.” said Mike Pardue, energy manager, Yadkin County Schools. “The partnership with EduCon has taken us to a new level of energy conservation and savings and school systems everywhere should be utilizing an energy program in their buildings.”

About EduCon

Established in 1996 by Nelson Jessup, an administrator with over 35 years experience in public education, EduCon provides consulting services to school systems. EduCon includes both energy management for school and construction administration and coordination of new school facilities. EduCon also offers Energy Master Pro, a web-based energy tracking software which enables tracking, analyzing and management of energy consumption and costs in schools, colleges, businesses or non-profits. For more information log onto www.educonenergy.com