ENERGY STAR Labeled Building Profile

Oakdale Elementary School
601 South Adelaide Street
Normal, IL 61761
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Opened in 1954 and with four additions since, Oakdale Elementary School is a 65,465 square-foot-building serving approximately 475 pre-K through fifth-grade students. The conversion of the heating system in August 2006 to ground source (geothermal) has provided both economic benefits and greater student comfort. The unique one-pipe design has resulted in much greater energy efficiency while providing both heating and air conditioning.  Performance has far exceeded expectations with a greater savings in energy consumption than the previous system.

To help address a dwindling Operations and Maintenance Fund budget, the Board of Education signed a contract in late 2004 with Energy Education, Inc. to assist with utility management and cost containment.  The formal application of the program began August 1, 2005.  Thus, August 1, 2004 through July 31, 2005 became the base year for building performance comparison.  Using the methods developed by Energy Education, Inc., which include having an Energy Educator Manager work in the district and expert consultants frequently visit to assist with both building and data analysis, the school district began realizing savings.  As a "people-based program," the major goal was to teach each employee and student to think about energy efficiency.

Employees at this site clearly embraced the energy savings concepts advocated by Energy Education, Inc. and ENERGY STAR. Steps were taken to minimize energy needs at all times but in particular evenings, weekends, and holidays. Accordingly, annual energy savings have risen to more than $47,000. The cooperation of custodial, teaching, cooking, and administrative staff has contributed greatly to the success of energy efficiency efforts at this school.

Communications:

Communication for this site involves:
-- Sending a monthly newsletter electronically to each employee.
-- Sharing monthly savings data with the superintendent.
-- Holding a meeting with the building administrator, head custodian, and energy manager twice per year.
-- Giving reports to the Board of Education twice per year.
-- Reporting information in local news media.

Testimonial:

"The staff at this school has taken the call to save energy seriously. Consumption has been reduced (43%) while remodeling (exterior walls and glass) and conversion from hot water boilers (no a/c) to geothermal (with a/c) in 2006 have also led to improved learning conditions and student performance."

-- Bruce Boswell, Energy Manager, McLean County Unit District Five

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Please note: Narrative information in this profile has been provided by McLean County Unit School District #5 or a representative of this facility. Other building information was verified and submitted to EPA at the time of application. Building energy performance, operating characteristics, and ownership/management may be subject to change over time.

Building Owner:*
McLean County Unit School District #5

Property Manager:*
McLean County Unit School District #5

Year(s) Labeled (Rating):
2012 (95)
2011 (95)
2010 (96)
2009 (94)
2008 (87)

Facility Type: K-12 School

Total Floorspace: 43212 sf

Year Constructed: 1954

Contract Type: None

Technologies Used:

Stage 1-Recommissioning

    + Employee/Tenant Energy Education Program
    + New or Revised EE Maintenance Practices

For More Info:
Bruce Boswell
Normal, IL 61761
309-888-6979
boswelbm@unit5.org