The Appleton Area School District has announced that 18 buildings have earned EPA’s ENERGY STAR® Certification for 2024. This recognition is presented to the most energy-efficient buildings in the country.

“We are extremely pleased to receive this recognition from ENERGY STAR,” said Appleton Area School District Superintendent Greg Hartjes. “It’s proof we’re operating more efficient buildings for our students and community.”

“Our energy conservation efforts are saving taxpayer dollars while also helping protect the local environment. Since implementing a comprehensive energy conservation program, we have saved $1,414,523. The environmental impact of this is equal to taking 155,087 cars off the street or planting 1,260 trees in our community. We are proud that ENERGY STAR is recognizing our program’s success.”

18 buildings earning ENERGY STAR Certification include: 

• Badger Elementary
• Berry Elementary
• Columbus Elementary
• Dunlap Elementary
• Edison Elementary
• Ferber Elementary
• Foster Elementary
• Fox River Academy
• Highlands Elementary
• Horizons Elementary
• Houdini Elementary
• Huntley Elementary
• Johnston Elementary
• McKinley Elementary
• Morgan Building
• Richmond Elementary
• Wisconsin Connections Academy

To earn ENERGY STAR Certification, buildings must rate in the top 25% nationwide for energy efficiency and meet ventilation standards.

The cost of utilities is the third largest budget within the Facilities Department for the Appleton Area School District, and the prices for electricity, natural gas, heating oil, and water have been steadily increasing. To combat these rising energy and utility costs, AASD implemented a comprehensive organizational behavior-driven energy conservation program throughout all its buildings and campuses. Since the program was first implemented, Appleton Area School District has reduced its energy consumption by 9.7%.

Appleton Area School District’s comprehensive energy conservation program addresses energy use throughout the organization.Our energy specialist tracks energy consumption at all campuses through state-of-the-art technology to identify and correct areas where energy is over-used. Jennifer Schneider, AASD District Energy Specialist, works closely with AASD staff to continually optimize systems and schedules. 

Together they monitor energy use with advanced technology and shape energy-using practices through education — affecting how each person in the organization understands, uses and saves energy for years to come. The outcome is healthier, more efficient buildings using less energy — and lower related costs.