New Rochelle Schools Earn A 'Big' Check For Reducing Electric Usage

NEW ROCHELLE, NY — The New Rochelle City School District's efforts to help protect the planet also saved the taxpayers money, and has now earned a substantial rebate from two well-known environmental groups.

At a celebration at the New Rochelle High School library on Wednesday, Sustainable Westchester, an advocate for making communities in Westchester County more resilient against the threats posed by climate change, and Logical Buildings, a climate technology firm, presented the school district with a rebate check for $23,943 in recognition of its "leadership in reducing energy use" in school buildings.

"Strategically curbing energy consumption during peak times aligns with our school district's goal of managing resources efficiently and economically," Superintendent Corey W. Reynolds said. "It seamlessly connects with the priority of our Green Schools Committee to reduce the school district's carbon footprint. The acknowledgment through this rebate is a testament to our dedication to fostering an environmentally sustainable school district, ensuring a greener future for our students and community alike."

Heating and cooling can be a significant energy challenge for school districts like New Rochelle, with an aging infrastructure. There is increasing pressure on buildings, which account for a large percentage of carbon dioxide emissions, to improve energy efficiency.

Pioneering carbon emissions and energy tracking through artificial intelligence, Logical Buildings’ SmartKit AI technology detected peak energy demand at key points during the summer of 2023, and the school district reduced energy usage at five schools by approximately 700 kW, which resulted in $23,943 in savings. New Rochelle is the first school district in New York to participate in Logical Buildings" AI-driven "Demand Response Program."

A total of five schools were part of the Demand Response Program pilot: New Rochelle High School, Trinity Elementary School, William B. Ward Elementary School, Columbus Elementary School and Albert Leonard Middle School.

"By partnering with Sustainable Westchester, the City School District was able to take advantage of an innovative demand response program, earn significant funds and reduce pollution," New Rochelle Council Member Sara Kaye said. "I want to commend the students, the faculty and administrators for their advocacy and taking this important step toward confronting climate change."

Reynolds accepted the $23,943 rebate presented by Sustainable Westchester Director Lauren Brois and Logical Buildings COO David Klatt.

"We have been working with Logical Buildings to bring energy technology solutions to residents, businesses, and municipalities throughout Westchester County, and we are thrilled to be involved in this partnership with the City School District of New Rochelle," Brois told those gathered. "Enabling this type of technology can help school districts throughout Westchester not only reduce pollution in environmental justice communities, but also earn savings that can have a tremendous impact."

The program was initiated by the City School District Facilities Department in support of one of the Green Schools Committee's priorities of developing a comprehensive utility management program that maximizes conservation of natural resources. The district implemented simple measures, like shifting buildings’ cooling schedules and temperature setpoints to reduce energy at key times, and the program remarkably had limited to no impact on students and staff comfort levels, according to those involved. The district is currently exploring opportunities to expand its role by adding additional buildings in the of summer 2024.

"As we move towards a more electric and decarbonized world, becoming grid-interactive and using electricity smarter is both critical and valuable to the utility as well as energy users," Klatt said. "The City School District of New Rochelle is a leader in climate innovation, showcasing the power energy users can have to collectively reduce energy when it matters the most and earning money for it."

Sustainable Westchester regularly partners with Logical Buildings to offer technology-driven energy savings programs to Westchester County municipalities, residents and businesses. GridRewards pays consumers to lower their energy consumption during periods of extremely hot weather when people typically crank their air conditioners and electricity demand spikes.

More than 4,000 residents and businesses in Westchester County have signed up for GridRewards to date, and on average, each residential user received a direct cash payment of $80, with the top commercial users earning more than $20,000. During the summer of 2022, users’ combined efforts reduced energy consumption by 7MW, enough electricity to instantaneously power 25,000 homes. Con Edison-serviced municipalities, businesses, and residents are all eligible to participate in GridRewards.