Morgan County School Board received a good first report from Centergistic Corp. on energy savings achieved from March through August 2014 because of conservation measures implemented system wide earlier this year.

Earl Leonard, liason representatives for Centergistic, reported the system reduced energy consumption 8.5% for a net savings of $90,302 during the six-month period. He made the report at a work session preceding a regular monthly meeting.

When broken down, the report showed $78,628 was saved on electric use, $4,387 on water/sewer, $4,181 on propane gas and $3,106 on natural gas.

He pointed out that the amount of savings was equivalent to preventing 280 metric tons of CO2, removing 58 automobiles for a year and planting 7,171 tree seedlings for 10 years.

Leonard said the program’s success was the result of everyone in the school system buying into the program and during his or her part. He extended special thanks to the school board, community, maintenance staff, custodians, teachers and administrators.

He offered six suggestions for ensuring continued success in the future as follows:

•Fix timers that we can control uuits

•Getting Brewer High Schools EMS working properly

•Applying for Energy Star recognition

•EMS training at National Training Conference

•Prepare for Thanksgiving and Christmas shutdowns to achieve greater savings

•Continue developing an “energy conservation culture”