VERSAILLES, Ky. (Nov. 25, 2014) – Simmons Elementary School was recognized by the Kentucky Energy and Environment Cabinet and the Kentucky School Boards Association for earning the prestigious U. S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) ENERGY STAR certification, a national symbol for protecting the environment through superior energy performance. A certificate signed by Gov. Steve Beshear was presented to the school’s principal during the Nov. 24 meeting of the Woodford County Board of Education. “Students have always been our first priority in Woodford County,” said Scott Hawkins, superintendent for Woodford County Schools. “We are so proud of our students and staff at Simmons Elementary and throughout the entire district for their role in saving energy. By choosing our resources wisely, we are teaching skills they can use now and are setting an example that will reap benefits for years to come.” Energy efficiency features, including geothermal heating and cooling, control systems to monitor and adjust building temperatures, and energy efficient lighting have contributed to annual utility savings of $35,000 at Simmons Elementary. ENERGY STAR facilities typically use about 35 percent less energy than average buildings. To earn the ENERGY STAR, a building must receive at least 75 out of 100 points in the EPA’s national energy-performance rating system – with higher scores being better — which places these facilities among the top 25 percent of all comparable buildings. Buildings are rated based on how they compare to similar buildings across the country. A building must operate for at least one year and submit a year’s worth of energy-use data to the EPA to be considered for the ENERGY STAR. For more information on ENERGY STAR programs, see www.energystar.gov
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