Three IDEA Public Schools campuses in Texas – IDEA Elsa, IDEA Rio Grande City, and IDEA Edgemere – have earned the prestigious ENERGY STAR certification from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). This certification recognizes their superior energy performance and commitment to sustainability.
ENERGY STAR certification signifies that these campuses rank in the top 25 percent of buildings nationwide in energy efficiency, considering factors such as occupancy, hours of operation, and other key metrics. It is a testament to IDEA Public Schools’ dedication to creating environmentally responsible and high-performance learning environments.
Antonio Guevara, Director of Energy Services at IDEA Public Schools, expressed pride in the achievement, highlighting the tangible benefits it brings to the schools and their students. “We recognize that it takes both energy efficient building design and efficient building operations to deliver these impressive results,” Mr. Guevara noted. “I think this is a testament to our campus Facilities Managers and their relentless pursuit to operating their buildings in the absolute most efficient state in a way that delivers cost savings and maximizes the learning environment for our students and staff.”
The attainment of ENERGY STAR certification is a result of collaborative efforts between IDEA Public Schools and Ethos Engineering, with the latter playing a crucial role in submitting the certification application to the EPA. Rajesh Kapileshwari, Principal at Ethos Engineering, commended IDEA Public Schools for their commitment to sustainability and academic excellence.
“IDEA Public Schools has a visionary approach to creating high-performance schools that not only save resources but also foster excellence in academic outcomes,” Kapileshwari remarked. “Their remarkable achievement of earning perfect or near perfect Energy Star Certifications Scores for their buildings reflects their commitment to their values and beliefs. These buildings are more than just structures; they are symbols of IPS’s vision for the future.”
Looking ahead, IDEA Public Schools’ Energy Services Department anticipates over $1 million in yearly savings in the utility budget based on the districts’ energy performance from July to December 2023. These substantial cost savings not only benefit the schools directly but also underscore their commitment to responsible resource management and financial stewardship.
In addition to the financial savings, ENERGY STAR certification reflects IDEA Public Schools’ broader mission to create learning environments that prioritize sustainability and student well-being. By achieving this milestone, IDEA Public Schools sets an example for other educational institutions, encouraging them to pursue energy efficiency initiatives and contribute to a greener, more sustainable future.
