ENERGY STAR Labeled Building Profile

Sugar Creek Elementary School
200 North Towanda Avenue
Normal, IL 61761
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Opened in 1974 with one addition since, Sugar Creek Elementary School is a 76,005-square-foot building serving 283 students in pre-Kindergarten through fifth grade. In August 2009, the site HVAC system was converted from a hot water boiler-chiller two-pipe system to a one-pipe ground source (geothermal) system. The new system, coupled with staff and student efforts to control energy use, has led to very substantial savings.

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. that 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 seeing 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 embraced 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 over $63,000. The cooperation of custodial, teaching, cooking, and administrative staff have each contributed to the success with energy savings at this school.  Currently, this ENERGY STAR labeled (2010) site has a score of 80.

Communications:

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

Testimonial:

Unavailable

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 (97)
2010 (80)

Facility Type: K-12 School

Total Floorspace: 76005 sf

Year Constructed: 1974

Contract Type: None

Technologies Used:

Stage 3-Load Reductions

    + Cool Roof Installation
    + Heat Recovery System
    + High Performance Windows
    + New EMS
    + Upgrade Wall Insulation

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