Assessing Energy Costs For Florida Schools

The plot below shows distributions of energy cost intensity at 20 high schools and 103 elementary and middle schools in a major school district in central Florida. Use the plot to rate the energy cost performance of your school.

To use the plot, you will need:
  • Gross floor area of your school(s).
  • Total annual cost for all fuels (electricity, gas, etc.)
  • Calculate the energy cost per gross square foot of your school and enter the plot on the x-axis at that value. Read up to the applicable curve and then left to find your rating. The rating for your school corresponds to the percent of schools in your area paying more to meet their energy needs.

    Schools that pay a minimal amount for their energy needs score high. Those that pay a higher than normal amount (those with the greatest potential for substantial energy cost reductions) score low. The tool will help you spot those exceptional schools and those that can most benefit from energy-related improvements. Schools rating below 30 often have very large energy cost reduction potential.