California voters approved Proposition 39 in 2012, closing certain tax loopholes and investing roughly $2.5 billion of that new revenue into energy efficiency improvements to K-12 and community college buildings. Resulting facility improvements across Hacienda La Puente USD will include classroom lighting and occupancy sensor retrofits, LED exterior and gymnasium lighting retrofits, and new heating and cooling systems.

“Among the 1,000 plus school districts in California, we are one of the larger school districts, and one of only 47 districts with an approved Prop 39 plan,” Gino Kwok, board president of Hacienda La Puente USD, said in a release. “We also take pride in knowing that these efficiency improvements will have a life-changing impact on our students, create new local jobs, and have a positive environmental impact. It’s a win-win-win for everyone in the community.”

“When it comes to energy savings, it never pays to wait,” Jordan Lerner, regional director, Schneider Electric, added in a statement. “Hacienda La Puente USD got started early in the process and their proactive efforts resulted in an expedited approval of the largest funded Prop 39 project to date. We commend the district for getting the ball rolling early and look forward to making significant facility improvements that will enhance their learning and working environments.”

According to a release issued by Schneider Electric, the California Energy Commission approved the Proposition 39-funded project for the entire 5-year program. The project is projected to save Hacienda La Puente USD’s four high schools $459,000 annually, or 28 percent of their existing energy bill. Moreover, the district will enjoy a 38 percent electricity savings at these sites, and will stimulate the local job market through a project labor agreement with IBEW.

“In addition to simplifying the entire process, partnering with Schneider Electric allowed us to directly address our most pressing energy efficiency problems through an integrated approach,” Annie Bui, associate superintendent of business services for Hacienda La Puente USD, said in a statement. “We now have a full 5-year energy savings plan that will help maximize every Prop 39 dollar.”

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Schneider Electric’s Conserve My Planet Program is an educational, energy-saving program for K-12 schools that includes an energy audit, educational materials, teacher and student training programs, evaluation, and recognition. Since implementing the program, the district has been about cut energy costs by $73,500 after one school year.

“Cutting energy usage was a priority, and we had a lot of good ideas, but were challenged with how to implement those ideas,” said Roy Mitchel, energy manager for Allen ISD, in a statement. “Schneider Electric helped us craft a unique program that tapped into the competitive spirit of our teachers and students and really worked for us…The results surpassed our expectations, and we’re considering extending the program to our middle and high schools.”

The program works by encouraging energy-efficient concepts in the school and giving all those involved in the school the opportunity to be involved in the program as well. Conserve My Planet Program starts with a master plan, which can address everything from how individual buildings work to recycling and environmentally friendly cleaning products, according to Schneider Electric. The program also incorporates energy efficiency into the classroom in order for students to learn firsthand how to apply the program to their studies and everyday life. Activities for students include demonstrations, field trips, student-led energy audit project plans and competitions to engage students.

“A comprehensive energy management approach is critical for schools, and truly for any organization looking to reduce energy costs,” said Tammy Fulop, vice president of Energy Solutions Sales for Schneider Electric in a statement. “As school districts across the country face budgetary considerations, energy-efficient measures, many of which can be implemented utilizing existing equipment investments, can drive significant cost savings. The program at Allen ISD is a prime example of this approach in action, and we are thrilled to see the teachers and students take an interest in the project and make an impact that will bring long term benefits.”

Schneider Electric has been working with school districts for more than 19 years and has seen the success of programs much like the one at Allen ISD happen across the country. For more information about this program and programs like it, please visit:

CONSERVE MY PLANET PROGRAM

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