Discovery first in North Alabama for Energy Star cert
Cedric Davis with Avion Solutions, from left, former Discovery Principal Eric Terrell, Liz Cochran with ADECA and Madison City Schools Superintendent Robby Parker announced the new lighting configuration for Discovery’s campus. CONTRIBUTED
Discovery Middle School, Madison, Madison County Record, News, Schools
 By  GreggParker Published 
12:01 pm Thursday, July 27, 2017

Discovery first in North Alabama for Energy Star cert

MADISON – Discovery Middle School is the first school in North Alabama to attain Energy Star Certification from the Environmental Protection Agency and Department of Energy.

Seven other campuses in Madison City Schools have qualified and expect an award of certification soon, according to state officials.

At the certification ceremony, Elizabeth Cochran commended the school and district for energy savings that free funds for other school needs. Cochran is Energy Division Program Manager with Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs or ADECA.

Referencing the “North Star” as a guiding beacon, Cochran said, “(Madison City Schools) looks to be that shining star” for other school districts to copy in energy efficiency. “You’re the first. You’ve gone out and done what others can do.”

ADECA’s Energy Division is pleased to assist the efforts of local leaders to save more than $100,000 in just one year through energy efficiency. We congratulate Madison City Schools for becoming the first in North Alabama to earn Energy Star certification for school facilities,” Cochran said.

Madison schools achieved a $130,000 savings in energy costs between FY 2015 and FY 2016. Savings in electricity, gas and water will continue to escalate as more schools improve their energy efficiency.

MCS Superintendent Robby Parker said those savings can pay for additional teacher units, technology and other classroom resources.

Most of the savings resulted from a massive switchover to LED lighting, motion-activated switches and behavior modification among students and school staff. Turning off unused equipment is important. One laptop, for example, can burn almost $5 of power each year by remaining on overnight.

“Multiply that by thousands and the costs pile up,” former Discovery Principal Eric Terrell said. “The staff and students have done a great job being energy conscience, like turning out lights and reporting running faucets and toilets.”

Parker commended Madison Board of Education for steps that allowed the district to earn the coveted Energy Star rating. The board approved approximately $500,000 in 2015 to replace bulbs and many lighting fixtures with more energy-efficient ones.

A $100,000 TVA energy incentive rebate helped offset that expenditure. Discovery alone saved $40,000 in utility cost over the past year, an 18.4 percent drop.

“As things get tighter and tighter, we have to look for ways to cut money and energy consumption is one area. These cost reductions are even more phenomenal coming at a time of rapid enrollment growth and increasing demand on facilities,” Parker said.

The Energy Star rating starts with a portfolio to create benchmarks for monthly usage of electricity, gas and water. ADECA’s energy program helps clients implement energy conservation measures, and Avion Solution verifies compliance.

Also on The Madison Record
Space Command relocation to Huntsville to bring area growth
A: Main, Madison County Record, News, ...
Staff Reports 
September 10, 2025
HUNTSVILLE — Officials expect at least 1,400 jobs to be directly added to the north Alabama area with the U.S. Space Command Headquarters permanently ...
Newly elected Madison mayor to depart US Chess role
Madison County Record, News, The Madison Recor, ...
Ranae Bartlett was named US Chess Executive Director in 2024
By JOHN HARTMANN US Chess Press 
September 10, 2025
MADISON - It is said that no one can serve two masters. And so US Chess Executive Director Ranae Bartlett is trading Caïssa for the people of Madison,...
Triana Fire Department train for medical helicopter operation
Madison County Record, News, The Madison Recor, ...
Gregg Parker 
September 10, 2025
TRIANA – Firefighters who work in Triana Fire Department recently accomplished a new milestone in their training to serve and protect their town. On-s...
Itty Bitty Bakers sweetens the community with classes
Madison County Record, News, The Madison Recor, ...
By KADIE TAYLOR news@themadisonrecord.com 
September 10, 2025
MADISON - Sweeten your day, Itty Bitty Bakers offers baking classes for locals, from 18 months to adults. Itty Bitty Bakers owner Kayla Johnson has be...
Madison Visionary Partners to host Gather Madison, volunteers needed
Events, Madison County Record, News, ...
EVENTS
Gregg Parker 
September 10, 2025
MADISON – In its premiere in 2025, the Gather Madison event will unite residents of all backgrounds at one long table for a free, shared meal in the s...
Kids to Love to go “Over the Edge” for children in foster care Sept. 19-20
Events, Madison County Record, News, ...
Staff Reports 
September 10, 2025
MADISON - Bold, compassionate individuals will be going “Over the Edge” for Kids to Love during a thrilling two-day fundraiser where participants rapp...
The Madison Street Festival is less than a month away
Events, Madison County Record, News, ...
Gregg Parker 
September 10, 2025
MADISON – The first Saturday in October. That’s the day Madison residents turn out to visit with friends and neighbors, promote school groups, shop fo...

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *