Going Green, Saving Green

Saving energy can mean saving money. That is what Southwest Riverside County students have been learning through various green programs at their schools. Michelle L. Klampe of The Press-Enterprise reports on how these programs that focus on reducing waste and conserving energy and water also show schools how to save a few bucks.

CALIFORNIA -- Southwest Riverside County students are learning the value of going green through conservation programs that reward them for reducing energy use on their campuses. The Lake Elsinore Unified School District launched its resource management program this week. It will focus on waste reduction and energy and water conservation throughout the district, said Gregory Bowers, assistant superintendent for facilities and operations.

As an incentive, schools will receive the equivalent of 50 percent of any money saved from a district fund budgeted for utilities. The effort helps students and staff members develop good habits while also cutting utility costs at a time when schools are strapped for cash.

"It builds character (in students), is good for the environment and it saves us money," Bowers said of the program.

The Temecula Valley Unified School District started the program last fall that includes green teams at each school.

At Nicolas Valley Elementary School in Temecula, students on the green team patrol the campus, shutting off lights, unplugging appliances and handing out green "Kil-o-Watt" bucks for good energy practices and red "violation" notices when lights are left on or doors are left open. They hope to earn $1,500 or more for their school this year.

"It's just amazing how much money we save" by making small changes, said Alayna Stodart, 11.

Schools in the Murrieta Valley Unified School District saved thousands of dollars during the 2007-08 school year after launching a green schools program.

Between November 2007 and June 2008, the district reduced energy by more than 7.5 percent and saved $109,489, said district spokeswoman Karen Parris. The effort earned Vista Murrieta High School $10,840 and Murrieta Elementary $4,943, Parris said.

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