Washington Elementary School has completed a "green" improvements project with the installation of a complete geothermal HVAC system, which included energy efficient windows and energy efficient lighting.

Washington Elementary School is the largest elementary building in Belvidere's District 100, with enrollment of nearly 1,100 students.  Washington is open approximately 36 weeks per year for student attendance and during those 36 weeks, the building operates 50 hours per week for school and community events.  The new geothermal system has an estimated annual savings of $91,460 ($61, 460 energy and $30,000 maintenance).

District officials say that they are aware that the physical day to day environment of a school is a vital factor in student achievement.  With the aging systems at Washington in need of replacement, the focus was on a solution that greatly improved building efficiency, reduced energy costs and provided the flexibility to utilize the building all twelve months of the year.

District 100 Superintendent Micahel Houselog stated, "Aside from the obvious cost savings associated with this project, students and staff are now working and learning in an environment highly conducive to high levels of learning."

*Information Provided by BCUSD #100