Geothermal and Solar Energy Savings/NYSED Green Ribbon School Nominee
Dear Putnam Valley Community:
We are excited to share that Putnam Valley Central School District has been nominated by the New York State Education Department for the U.S. Department of Education Green Ribbon Schools (ED-GRS) award.
To be named a Green Ribbon School, a state-nominated school must demonstrate high achievement in each of the three ED-GRS Pillars:
- Reducing environmental impact and costs;
- Improving the health and wellness of schools, students, and staff; and
- Providing effective environmental and sustainability education.
Our proposed capital project supports the district’s continued commitment to sustainable energy and includes completing the conversion to geothermal heating and cooling at the elementary school, as well as adding solar panels at the high school campus. With these improvements, the district will completely eliminate its dependence on fossil fuels and reduce electric utility costs.
Since 1999, the middle school and high school have been powered by geothermal systems, resulting in savings of an estimated 4 million gallons of oil and $13 million over the past 25 years. The anticipated capital improvements are projected to save an additional $100,000 annually and eliminate the need for 30,000 gallons of heating oil each year.
The district’s commitment to clean energy extends to harnessing solar power, with solar panels generating approximately 1,250,000 kWh of electricity since their installation. These systems have saved the district $150,000 in utility costs since 2019. Looking ahead, adding solar panels to the Wellness Center is expected to generate 200,000 kWh of electricity annually, saving approximately $20,000 each year.
These initiatives underscore the district’s dedication to environmental sustainability and fiscal responsibility, paving the way for a cleaner, more efficient future.
Thank you for your ongoing support.
Sincerely,
Dr. Jeremy Luft
Superintendent of Schools