Hartford saves $47K at Noah Webster School

The city of Hartford saved $47,000 over five months through an energy-saving process installed at the Noah Webster MicroSociety Magnet School, Mayor Eddie Perez says.

By using "retro-commissioning,'' students and staff at the West End school have helped to redefine what it means to be an energy-efficient city school, Perez said.

Retro-commissioning is the process of reviewing the design and operation of the lighting, heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system.  Adjustments are then made to optimize the systems' operation.

At Noah Webster, this resulted in a 40 percent reduction in energy use, the mayor said.  From April to September, theschool used 2,152 fewer kilowatt-hours daily than the same time last year.

Three more schools are participating:  Alfred E. Burr Elementary School, Dr. James H. Naylor School, and Sarah J. Rawson School.  Meantime, energy usage at Noah Webster will continue to be tracked and monitored to ensure that the savings continue.

"The high cost of energy challenges families, businesses and government at all levels,'' Perez said. "These kinds of savings in more schools and public buildings will help Hartford meet its financial goals in these tough economic times.''