| The purpose of this descriptive study was to assess the energy conservation techniques being implemented in school districts in the state of Ohio. From this review of the literature, information and data were obtained that addressed the following issues: (1) the evolution of energy policy and the present energy status in the United States, (2) the impact of the present economic energy status upon education institutions, (3) recommendations for energy management in both elementary and secondary schools, and (4) unique energy conservation techniques that have been implemented by school districts.;The objectives of the study were: (1) to survey the school districts in the state of Ohio to determine specific energy conservation techniques that have been utilized; (2) to identify specific energy conservation techniques that are being implemented according to district type, district enrollment size, and district assessed valuation per pupil; and (3) to compare those energy conservation techniques identified by the study with suggested implementation values provided by the Energy Office of the Ohio State Department of Education.;A questionnaire was administered to all of the public school districts in the state of Ohio. Data obtained from the responding districts showed the following demographic characteristics: (1) 57.8 percent had planned active energy conservation management programs, (2) 58.9 percent placed emphasis upon both long- and short-range conservation planning, (3) 72.8 percent were able to reduce energy expenditure between 1 and 15 percent, (4) 55.4 percent indicated energy audits in more than 50 percent of their buildings, (5) 74.5 percent indicated financial limitations as the major obstacle to implementation of energy conservation, and (6) 60.0 percent cited the superintendent as being responsible for the implementation of energy conservation.;The specific energy conservation techniques given highest implementation priority were in the heating and cooling area while lowest implementation priority was in the extra-activities and food services areas. Vocational districts, districts with enrollments greater than 10,000 students, and districts with assessed valuation per pupil greater than 50,000 dollars showed the highest percentage of energy conservation implementation.;Data indicated an active energy conservation awareness and involvement in all areas of energy conservation management. Suggested implementation percentages were exceeded for several specific energy conservation techniques; however, there exists a need for placing a greater emphasis upon energy conservation by all districts. |
