Texas Border Business
ELSA / RIO GRANDE CITY, Texas – Two IDEA Public Schools campuses in the Rio Grande Valley, IDEA Elsa and IDEA Rio Grande City, have earned the prestigious ENERGY STAR certification from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) ENERGY STAR®. This certification recognizes superior energy performance and commitment to sustainability.
ENERGY STAR certification signifies these campuses rank in the top 25 percent of buildings nationwide in energy efficiency, considering factors such as occupancy, hours of operation, and other key metrics. ENERGY STAR is the only energy efficiency certification in the United States that is based on actual, verified energy performance.
“We recognize that it takes both energy efficient building design and operations to deliver these impressive results,” said Antonio Guevara, Director of Energy Services at IDEA. “This is a testament to our campus Facilities Managers and their relentless pursuit to operating their buildings in the absolute most efficient state in a way that delivers cost savings and maximizes the learning environment for our students and staff.”
The attainment of ENERGY STAR certification is a result of collaborative efforts between IDEA Public Schools and Ethos Engineering, LLC, a dynamic and pioneering MEP engineering firm that prioritizes sustainability, designing comfortable, energy-efficient, and resilient facilities.
“IDEA Public Schools has a visionary approach to creating high-performance schools that not only save resources but also foster excellence in academic outcomes,” said Rajesh Kapileshwari, Ethos Engineering Principal. “Their remarkable achievement of earning perfect or near perfect Energy Star Certifications Scores for their buildings reflects their commitment to their values and beliefs. These buildings are more than just structures; they are symbols of IPS’s vision for the future.”
IDEA Public Schools’ Energy Services Department anticipates over $1 million in yearly savings in the utility budget based on the districts’ energy performance from July to December 2023. These substantial cost savings not only benefit the schools directly but also underscore IDEA’s commitment to responsible resource management and financial stewardship. In addition to the financial savings, ENERGY STAR certification reflects IDEA Public Schools’ broader mission to create learning environments that prioritize sustainability and student well-being.
For more information on IDEA Public Schools, please visit www.ideapublicschools.org
