How Illinois Schools Trim Energy Waste
Schools are among the most energy-intensive public buildings in many communities, operating for extended hours and supporting energy-consuming systems such as lighting, HVAC equipment, technology, kitchens, and athletic facilities. As part of a utility’s energy efficiency program, K-12 schools and higher education institutions offer significant potential for energy savings and demand reduction.
Ameren Illinois – a Leidos customer since 2008 – has supported energy-efficiency projects in schools across central and southern Illinois for over a decade. Recent state policies have created greater opportunities to engage the education sector. The Public Schools Carbon-Free Assessment initiative directs utilities to help public schools reduce energy use, lower carbon emissions, and transition to carbon-free operations. These assessments identify the most effective energy-saving measures, opportunities to adopt electric systems, and long-term carbon reduction strategies, creating a list of projects eligible for utility program support or other funding.
Success Story: Cuba, Illinois Schools
Cuba Unified School District in central Illinois shows how district-wide improvements within a defined energy efficiency journey can reduce energy use and costs. Since 2018, Ameren Illinois has awarded the district nearly $200,000 in capital improvements, resulting in substantial reductions in their energy bills.
The district’s first project in 2018, upgrading to LED lighting, resulted in annual savings of over $27,000. Building on that success, the district has partnered with Ameren Illinois and program implementer Leidos to install rooftop HVAC units, complete weatherization tasks, adjust HVAC schedules, and upgrade water heaters and greenhouse heaters across the district. These projects have generated nearly $100,000 in annual savings, which can be reinvested in their core mission: educating students.
> Read more about Cuba Schools’ energy efficiency journey
Long-term Outlook for Illinois Schools
Illinois legislation has helped transform the school market into a strategic opportunity for energy efficiency program administrators. This combination of supportive policy, utility incentives, technical assistance, and long-term planning helps schools overcome funding barriers and modernize facilities while delivering measurable energy savings. As utilities continue to advance energy efficiency and decarbonization goals, the education sector is likely to remain a key area for program growth and innovation.
Leidos implements cost-effective energy efficiency programs for utilities across the country. Our expertise in the commercial and industrial sectors, combined with our approach to identifying project opportunities tailored to specific customer segments, results in substantial energy savings and outstanding satisfaction for our utility clients. Contact our team to learn more about Leidos or to engage school districts in energy efficiency.
