Study: Wisconsin schools see 23 percent drop in energy use

New data shows energy use in Wisconsin schools is decreasing and school district collaboration with Focus on Energy is helping drive that decrease. That relationship also has given districts the data they need to save more energy and money in the future.

Focus on Energy and B3 Benchmarking worked with 212 Wisconsin school districts, representing 94% of Wisconsin counties, to collect and analyze utility data, square footage and usage details at 1,223 school buildings – more than half the total number of schools in the state.

Findings include:

· Wisconsin schools spend more than $175 million a year in energy costs.
· Energy use at benchmarked schools has decreased 23% between 2006 (year of previous comprehensive benchmarking) and 2018.
· That 23% decrease represents $40 million that can now be spent on other priorities related to educating Wisconsin’s children.
· Nearly all (97%) of the districts that participated in 2018 have completed at least one project with Focus on Energy.

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