Evergreen snares energy award

For a second straight year, Evergreen Public Schools has earned ENERGY STAR Partner of the Year honors from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

The award rewards exemplary energy management that, in turn, helps to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

The district is one of two public school systems among the 40 winners. It will be recognized at a Washington, D.C. awards ceremony next month.

Evergreen has been an ENERGY STAR partner since February 2009. David Cone, district resource conservation manager, has launched sweeping, strategic lighting and temperature control changes.

The district’s 2011 partner award is based in part on reported energy savings of $1.6 million in 2010. From the start of its conservation focus in late 2008 through January 2011, estimated savings has reached $3.35 million, the district reports.

The awards committee also made note of the ENERGY STAR certification of four schools — Heritage High School, Pacific and Frontier middle schools and Ellsworth Elementary School — and districtwide commitment from staff and students to encourage more savings.