Energy Efficient Schools of

Oklahoma (EESO) Empowering Oklahoma Schools to Lead the Nation in Strategic Energy Management

By Derald Glover, OASA Assistant Executive Director

In many cases the cost of energy in schools is the second- or thirdhighest expenditure each year. By utilizing research-based strategies, schools can realize up to 20% savings that can be better utilized in the classroom. In 2019, CCOSA, OG&E, CLEAResult, and a group of schools with comprehensive energy savings plans already in place built the Energy Efficiency Framework to support good stewardship of energy resources in public schools. The next step was to work with more schools to implement comprehensive energy programs and compile a statewide list of schools that are tracking their savings data. We hope to highlight energy savings already happening in our schools and motivate all schools in Oklahoma to develop an Energy Efficient Schools of Oklahoma (EESO) program of their own.

Some of the schools we have identified that already have implemented energy efficiency programs or are in the process of implementation are Coweta, Enid, Fort Gibson, Locust Grove, Mustang, Moore, Noble, Mid-Del, Inola, Atoka, Kingfisher, and Norman.

What constitutes an EESO Program?

1. School has an energy efficiency plan for electric, natural gas, and water.

2. School has a dedicated staff person who serves as an energy manager.

3. School utilizes an energy usage assessment program to track savings.

What do you need to do to participate?

■ If you checked all three EESO requirements, email Nicole Donnelly at CCOSA at nicole@ ccosa.org, and we will send you a participation agreement. There is no cost to participate.

Implementation of an EESO program generates a return on investment through low/no cost savings measures.

■ If you don’t have a comprehensive energy program but would like to start one, or you have questions regarding your current energy efficiency efforts, call Derald Glover at (918) 781-9540 or email glover@ccosa.org.

School Commitment:

Schools participating in the EESO programs will maintain a strategic energy efficiency program that includes the following goals:

■ School will work to develop an energy efficiency plan for electric, natural gas, and water.

■ School will assign a staff person to serve as an energy manager.

■ School will utilize an energy usage assessment program.

■ School will strive to use energy savings to enhance classroom spending and/or invest in energy efficiency equipment.

■ School will submit energy cost saving data on a semi-annual basis.

CCOSA Commitment:

CCOSA and its partners are committed to facilitating schools in achieving our goal of making Oklahoma schools examples of energy-efficient practices by providing the following:

■ Recognition of participating schools and top performing schools through targeted social media posts and recognition at the CCOSA conference.

■ Training and guidance to schools developing a program.

■ Assistance on finding affordable and easy-to-use assessment tools.

For more information about what an EESO school may look like, check out our CCOSA EESO Rubric here Let’s make Oklahoma schools the most energy efficient systems in the nation! ■