What began as an energy saving plan in March for FISD has not only made an impact on behavior but also has brought in substantial savings.
            The comprehensive energy conservation program is based on changing organizational behavior.  This program, Energy Education, started out of the ned to combat the ever-increasing costs of energy and utilities.
            Since the beginning of the energy savings program until the end of November 2011, the system has saved #213,041, according to Assistant Superintendent Thad Roher who is monitoring the program along with David Sanders, Energy Specialist, and former Maintenance Director for FISD. This amount equates to a 22 percent savings on energy costs.
            The goal at the beginning of the program was a 20 percent savings. This savings has been accomplished with no increases to the budget.
            All costs of the Energy Education program come from the existing utility budget, with savings guaranteed to more than pay for the program.  Program savings are measured and energy use is analyzed using a leading third-party software called EnergyCAP that calculates savings according to international standards.
            The savings are not only financial but also ecological. In the current implementation period, FISD has saved nearly 1.6 million kilowatt-hours of electricity. According to the EPA, this decrease in energy usage is the equivalent of taking 165 cars off local streets or planting 23,498 trees throughout Friendswood.
            Energy Education has estimated FISD will save $3.6 million in energy costs over the next 10 years.
            The program earned the 2011 Award for Sustained Excellence and in 2009 and 2010 received the Energy Star Partner of the Year award fro the United States Environmental Protection Agency, validation at the highest level of their efforts in energy conservation and efficiency.