Polk County Public Schools: Leading the Way in Florida with Low Tech Solutions

Abstract

Conservation isn’t sexy, but it is the simplest and best solution out
there currently. It works, one can start today, and it makes a big impact.
Solar, wind, nuclear and other energy alternatives may play a large role
in years to come, but we cannot dream of technology saving us in the
future; we need to learn to conserve today. As I once heard it said, “The
most efficient energy molecule is the one which never gets created.”
It should also be recognized that conservation doesn’t have to in-
volve complicated, expensive energy management systems. Polk Coun-
ty Schools has cut its energy consumption by 30% and consistently leads
all school districts in Florida, year after year, using some of the simplest
and cheapest technology available.
It goes without saying that the nature of one’s organization will
influence how an energy program should best be run. Certain needs and
even deficiencies may be different in a school system than in a hospital
or a corporate building. In fact, an organization operating around the
clock and with deeper pockets may actually be better served using the
most up-to-date control system available.