Energy conservation lesson

The Charleston County School District, like virtually any other government entity, is routinely criticized for wasteful spending. And with its annual operating budget of nearly $320 million, saving a mere $235,563 might not sound like much. But that reduction in energy expenses is still welcome -- and offers a learning experience that extends beyond the classroom.

As reported in Monday's Post and Courier, 32 of the district's 77 schools managed to spend less than their budgets projected on utilities during the 2007-08 school year. Liberty Hill Elementary in North Charleston led the way with an overall utility bill nearly 20 percent under budget. As a fitting reward, the energy- and money-saving schools will receive 20 cents for each dollar they conserved, with the other 80 cents going to the district's general fund.

Small steps like reducing computer use and turning off unneeded lights helped produce the big result of nearly a quarter million dollars in district-wide savings -- an early dividend from the wise investment of starting a voluntary energy-conservation program last year. Yet that total fell far short of the $400,000 goal, which is in place again this year.

Ervin Robeson, the district's Utilities Management Office supervisor, told our reporter: "We are greatly encouraged by these initial results, but we also know we need to continue to monitor the effectiveness of the program over a longer period of time and continue to convey the importance of this program and conservation."

That importance is magnified by the dwindling tax revenues and tight education budgets that have accompanied the severe economic downturn. However, even after the economy rebounds, a near-certain, long-term rise in electricity and fuel prices demands intensified energy conservation efforts -- and not just in public schools.

So congratulations to the district for initiating this program -- and to those schools that are teaching valuable lessons in the benefits of energy conservation.