Press Release
Storm Lake Community Schools invests in energy-efficiency
Alliant Energy rewards nearly $68,000 to the school district for its proactive efforts in reducing energy usage
CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa – October 27, 2009 – The new Storm Lake Elementary School provides state-of-the-art educational space with new classrooms, a commons area and a new gym. But before construction began, the building went through an energy-efficient evaluation process provided by the Commercial New Construction (CNC) program offered through Alliant Energy. To recognize the school district for its commitment to energy conservation, Interstate Power and Light, an Alliant Energy company (Alliant Energy) presented the Storm Lake Community School District with an incentive check of $67,628.40.
Alliant Energy representatives helped the district assess several energy-efficient measures that could be considered in the new building. The planning team evaluated options, including roof and wall insulation, daylighting, occupancy sensor controls, as well as highly-efficient mechanical systems to reduce energy consumption. The strategies were modeled prior to construction so that the school could see anticipated energy savings, incremental costs and utility incentive amounts.
By partnering with Alliant Energy representatives and evaluating the building’s energy-efficiency potential before construction began, the school district is expected to save more than $58,000 each year on its energy bills. These operational savings result from lowering expected energy usage by an estimated 48,306 therms of natural gas each year. These savings earn the school an energy-efficiency rebate of $67,628 from Alliant Energy.
“We evaluated several potential energy conservation strategies Storm Lake Community Schools could consider in building the new school,” said Janis Bowles-Strategic Account Manager, Alliant Energy. “Storm Lake leadership was willing to commit to energy-efficiency on the front end, allowing us to achieve much greater fiscal and environmental results.”
In addition to lowering its energy bill and receiving cash incentives, Storm Lake Schools is also doing its part to reduce its environmental impact. By choosing to make the building more efficient than required by the State of Iowa building code, the energy efficiency measures will avoid more than 382 metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions each year. This is equivalent to removing 70 passenger vehicles from Iowa roadways.
“We are excited about the energy efficiencies we have included as part of our construction project,” said Dr. Paul Tedesco-Superintendent, Storm Lake Community School District. "Because of the incentives offered through the Commercial New Construction program, we will save the district money, reduce CO2 emissions and have a positive impact on the environment."
The strategies implemented to improve the school’s energy efficiency beyond code level include, R-16 wall insulation, R-25 roof insulation, room occupancy sensors to efficiently manage heating and cooling, conditioning outside air including transferring air from one area to another, and high-efficiency condensing gas boilers.
The Commercial New Construction program is available to Alliant Energy’s retail electric and/or natural gas customers in Iowa and Minnesota. To qualify, new commercial buildings and building renovation projects must be located within Alliant Energy’s Iowa service territory. For more information, visit www.alliantenergy.com/newconstruction or call 1-866-ALLIANT (1-866-255-4268).
Media Contact: Nancy Craig, (319) 786-4788