Kamehameha Schools’ Energy-Saving Initiatives Earn Six-Figure Incentive
Hawaii Energy, the ratepayer-funded energy conservation and efficiency program for Hawaii, Honolulu and Maui counties, provided $128,662 in financial incentives to Kamehameha Schools (KS) for various energy efficiency renovations to its Oahu and Hawaii Island campuses as well as for a Kaka’ako commercial property.
KS Kapālama, the oldest and largest of its three campuses, upgraded air conditioning systems and interior and exterior lights. The school replaced 106 fluorescent and incandescent lamps with dimmable light emitting diode lamps (LEDs) in the Performing Arts Center. LEDs were also installed in 153 street lights that illuminate the 600-acre campus. Induction lights, which have a significantly longer life expectancy compared to fluorescent and metal halide lamps, were installed in the school’s new 500-stall parking garage.
Additionally, several buildings throughout the Kapālama campus modified the air conditioning systems with various energy-efficient technologies such as new motors, variable frequency drives and variable refrigerant flow split units. The newly-constructed KS Middle School, also on the Kapālama campus, installed an energy-efficient air conditioning system. The technologies were either an enhancement or alternative to traditional systems.
On Hawaii Island, the 300-acre campus in Keaau significantly lowered its energy usage by tinting the south- and west-facing windows and adding 248 motion sensors to interior lights.
Incentives:
Hawaii Energy’s financial incentives offset the upfront costs for energy efficiency technologies. KS, which includes the Kapālama and Hawaii Island campuses, received a total of $101,812. The incentive for the 660 Ala Moana Boulevard building was $26,850. The total Hawaii Energy incentives to date are $128,662.
Savings:
KS Kapālama is estimated to save 664,423 kilowatt hours (kWh) annually, equivalent to $172,750 in energy costs based on $0.26/kWh. KS Hawaii is estimated to save 19,679 kWh annually, equivalent to $6,887 in energy costs based on $0.35/kWh (electric utility rates are slightly higher on Hawaii Island).
The building at 660 Ala Moana Boulevard is estimated to save 52,179 kWh annually, equivalent to $13,567 in energy costs based on $0.26/kWh.
Background:
About Hawaii Energy
Hawaii Energy is the ratepayer-funded energy conservation and efficiency program administered by Leidos Engineering, LLC under contract with the Hawaii Public Utilities Commission, serving the islands of Hawaii, Lanai, Maui, Molokai and Oahu. Hawaii Energy offers cash rebates and other incentives to residents and businesses to help offset the cost of installing energy-efficient equipment.
In addition to rebates, the program conducts education and training for residents, businesses and trade allies to encourage the adoption of energy conservation behaviors and efficiency measures. The program plays an important role in helping to achieve Hawaii’s goal of reducing total electric energy usage by 30 percent or 4.3 billion kWh by 2030. For more information, visit www.HawaiiEnergy.com.
About Kamehameha
Schools Kamehameha Schools is a private, educational, charitable trust founded and endowed by the legacy of Princess Bernice Pauahi Bishop. Kamehameha Schools operates a statewide educational system enrolling over 6,900 students of Hawaiian ancestry at K-12 campuses on O’ahu, Maui and Hawai’i and 30 preschool sites statewide. Over 40,400 additional Hawaiian learners and their caregivers are served each year through a range of other Kamehameha Schools’ outreach programs, community collaborations and financial aid opportunities. Income generated from its Hawai’i real estate and diversified investment portfolio fund the Schools’ educational mission almost entirely. For more information, visit www.ksbe.edu.