CLAY COUNTY – Clay County District Schools has announced 24 school campuses in Clay County have earned the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s ENERGY STAR certification for superior energy performance.

“Improving the energy efficiency of our nation’s buildings is critical to protecting our environment,” said Cindy Jacobs, Chief of the ENERGY STAR Commercial & Industrial Branch. “From the boiler room to the board room, organizations are leading the way by making their buildings more efficient and earning EPA’s ENERGY STAR certification.”

ENERGY STAR-certified buildings and plants are verified to perform in the top 25% of buildings nationwide based on weather-normalized source energy use that considers occupancy, hours of operation, and other key metrics. ENERGY STAR is the only energy efficiency certification in the United States that is based on actual, verified energy performance.

“We’re honored to earn the ENERGY STAR for superior energy performance at Clay County District Schools and appreciate the efforts of everyone who has been involved in its efficient operation,” said Superintendent David Broskie. “Saving energy is just one of the ways we show our community we care and that we’re committed to doing our part to protect the environment and public health, both today and for future generations.”

Broskie credited the success to energy efficiency measures implemented at school campuses through the proactive work by our school leaders, District operations team, and partnership with Cenergistic.

On average, ENERGY STAR-certified buildings and plants use 35% less energy, cause 35% fewer greenhouse gas emissions, and are less expensive to operate than their peers – all without sacrifices in performance or comfort.

To date, tens of thousands of buildings and plants across all 50 states have earned the ENERGY STAR. For more information about ENERGY STAR for Buildings and Plants, visit www.energystar.gov/buildings

The certified schools are:

• Bannerman Learning Center

• Charles E. Bennett Elementary

• Doctors Inlet Elementary

• Green Cove Junior High

• Grove Park Elementary

• Keystone Heights Elementary

• Keystone Heights Junior/Senior High

• Lake Asbury Elementary

• Lakeside Elementary

• Lakeside Junior High

• McRae Elementary

• Middleburg Elementary

• Middleburg High

• Orange Park Elementary

• Paterson Elementary

• Ridgeview Elementary

• Ridgeview High

• S. Bryan Jennings Elementary

• Shadowlawn Elementary

• Swimming Pen Elementary

• Tynes Elementary

• W.E. Cherry Elementary

• Wilkinson Elementary

• Wilkinson Junior High