Middletown Public Schools

 

 

Energy Management and Conservation

PURPOSE:

As the School Committee of the Middletown Public Schools, we believe it is our responsibility to ensure that every effort is made to conserve energy and natural resources while exercising sound financial management.

PHILOSOPHY:

The implementation of this policy is the joint responsibility of the School Committee members, administrators, teachers, students, and support personnel. Its success depends on cooperation at all levels.

POLICY:

Middletown Public Schools will maintain accurate records of energy consumption and associated costs and will share information with the public and local media regarding the goals and progress of the district’s energy conservation program.

Each principal will be accountable for energy management on their campus, with regular energy audits and updates to conservation program outlines. The efficient daily operation of energy systems will be a shared responsibility between the principal and the head custodian.

Curriculum will be developed to ensure that every student participates in the energy management program as an "energy saver."

SPECIFIC AREAS OF EMPHASIS:

1. Individual Responsibility:
    Every student and employee will contribute to energy efficiency. Everyone is expected to be both an "energy saver" and a conscientious "energy consumer."
   
   
2. Lighting Practices:
   Effective immediately, all unnecessary lighting in unoccupied areas will be turned off. All lights will be shut off when students and teachers leave school for the day. Custodians will use lighting only in the areas in which they are actively working.
   
   
3. Energy Accountability:
    Energy management responsibilities will be included in each principal’s annual performance evaluation. HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration) systems will be used strictly as needed.
   
   
4. Facility Shutdowns:
    The head custodian at each school will be responsible for ensuring the complete shutdown of all systems and equipment when the facility is closed for the evening.
   
   
5. ENERGY STAR POLICY:
    Middletown Public Schools shall abide by the Federal Energy Policy Act of 1992 (effective October 1997), requiring all replacement parts or motors to be energy efficient and/or meet NEMA premium efficiency standards.
   
   
6. BUS IDLING POLICY:
    In accordance with RIGL 31-16.1-3 and energy conservation principles:
   
   

○        School buses shall not idle for more than five (5) minutes.

○        Exceptions are permitted when operating heating, cooling, or auxiliary equipment is necessary to maintain a safe environment for students with special needs.

○        Idling is allowed when the temperature is below 20°F, during the loading/unloading of passengers on public roads, or when necessary for operating safety equipment.

7. CFC/HCFC POLICY:
    The District will ban the use of CFC or HCFC-based refrigerants in building HVAC and refrigeration systems. All renovations, replacements, and upgrades must conform to this policy. Existing equipment containing these refrigerants will be phased out within five years.
   
   
8. SUSTAINABLE PRODUCTS PURCHASING POLICY:
   
   

a. Prioritize the procurement of environmentally preferable products and services where standards have been established by recognized authorities (e.g., Energy Star, EPA).

b. All newly purchased equipment and appliances shall be ENERGY STAR certified when such certification is available for that product category. In cases where ENERGY STAR certification is not available, products must meet or exceed equivalent recognized federal or state energy efficiency standards. The District shall prohibit the purchase of low-efficiency equipment or appliances that do not meet these standards, unless no compliant product is reasonably available within an acceptable cost or timeframe.

All school electronic devices including computers, imaging devices, and TV/AV

systems shall meet the requirements of the EPEAT rating system, Silver or Gold level. All exposed cables and cords shall not contain any of the three phthalate esters of concern given in CPSIA, Section 108 (a) above 0.1% by weight. The phthalate esters of concern are di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEPH), CAS 117-81-7; di-n-butyl phthalate (DBP), CAS 84-74-2; and butyl benzyl phthalate (BBP),, CAS 85-68-7. Testing and analysis shall be conducted following CPSC-CH-C1001-09.3, 2010 and US EPS Method 8270D

 

 c. Integrate environmental considerations into purchasing decisions, including:

○        Replacing disposables with reusable or recyclable items.

○        Supporting eco-labeling and environmentally certified products.

○        Considering life cycle costs and long-term benefits.

○        Evaluating the environmental performance of vendors.

○        Raising staff awareness through training and information.

○        Encouraging suppliers and contractors to offer sustainable products at competitive prices.

○        Promoting environmentally responsible service delivery.

○        Ensuring compliance with all applicable environmental laws and regulations.

9. INDOOR AIR QUALITY (IAQ):
    Middletown Public Schools recognizes that energy and environmental goals must be achieved without compromising student and staff health. The district will adopt the EPA’s “Tools for Schools” IAQ program as a district-wide standard.
   
    Implementation of the IAQ Tools for Schools Program will follow the EPA's 15-step framework, with adaptations to ensure all schools maintain or exceed EPA standards. The district will adopt a phased approach to rollout and ensure ongoing evaluation and improvement of indoor air quality management.
   
   

IMPLEMENTATION AND OVERSIGHT:

Nothing in this policy shall require the District, its departments, or contractors to procure products that do not meet performance standards or are unavailable at a reasonable cost and time frame.

Guidelines and procedures will be established as necessary to ensure the continuation of a robust Environmental Procurement and Energy Management Program.

Recognizing its responsibility to taxpayers and the potential for public education to model sustainability and energy awareness, the Middletown School Committee directs the Superintendent and/or designees to develop both short- and long-term strategies in facilities management and curriculum integration concerning energy awareness, conservation, and sustainability.

 

First Reading: June 2025

Second and Final Reading: July 2025

Revision : October 16, 2025

Revision : April 16, 2026

3 Year Review : April 2029