Umatilla School District in Eastern Oregon faced some major challenges controlling energy costs and keeping students and staff comfortable. Working with Energy Trust of Oregon, the district made numerous upgrades that are saving energy and money, while greatly improving their learning environments.

The district is made up of three school buildings. The middle school was built in 1947 and upgrading its aged infrastructure offered a huge opportunity to increase energy efficiency. The district installed custom building controls, plus added new attic and wall insulation. Umatilla High School was built in 1999, but still struggled with a problematic HVAC system. Upgrading to direct digital controls has given facilities staff much better control over the school’s environment. Additional energy-efficiency upgrades across the district have included a new dishwasher, bathroom and kitchen aerators and improved lighting.

Umatilla School District’s energy-efficiency efforts in 2018 are already saving 235,400 kWh and 16,100 therms—$29,800 in annual energy cost savings.

“Energy efficiency helps create a more comfortable school environment,” said Heidi Sipe, superintendent. “And if funds can be freed up from energy expenditures and invested in learning, that’s a huge gain for students.”