Canfield schools receive energy conservation award - 21 News Now, More Local News for Youngstown, Ohio -

CANFIELD, Ohio - Canfield Schools are getting high marks for conserving energy.

The district is in a partnership with the Texas-based Cenergistic conservation company.

Over two and a half years with the program, Canfield's energy-efficient behaviors have led to a 30 percent cost-savings for the district, totaling more than $536,000.

Cenergistic presented its Energy Pace-setter award at Wednesday's school board meeting.

"They have created a spirit of commitment and cooperation with all of their staff in saying, 'Hey folks, this program is not about creating discomfort. It's about maintaining comfort, but also being good stewards of our environment and of our resources," says Mike Bitar.

"These savings are done only by behavior changes. We haven't purchased anything. Turn out the light when you leave the building. Turn off the air conditioning when no one is in the building," says Canfield Schools Energy manager Evana Louise Delon.

Cenergistic is also working with Austintown and other school districts in Ohio.

The company shares some of the cost savings with the districts during the first four years of the program. After that, all of the savings stay in the districts as they continue the program.