All 10 of Piscataway Township Schools have received the federal Energy Star designation for 2023 for their excellence in energy efficiency – the most of any school district in New Jersey.

The label is awarded by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to buildings that perform in the top 25 percent for energy efficiency against similar buildings nationwide.

“This is an incredible achievement for our district,” said Superintendent Dr. Frank Ranelli. “It is also a tribute to the years of hard work that our Board of Education and administration have put into making our buildings more energy efficient, as well as the continuous contributions of all our staff member in making energy savings a priority. We’re committed to doing our part to protect the environment and public health, while saving on utility costs.”

Piscataway Township Schools officials accept a plaque recognizing the district's 10 schools as Energy Star schools for excellence in energy efficiency. From left are Business Administrator and Board Secretary David Oliveira; Cenergistic client manager Scott Muir; Board of Education President Shantell Cherry; and Superintendent Dr. Frank Ranelli. 

In 2022, four Piscataway schools were recognized as Energy Star schools: Piscataway High School, Conackamack Middle School, Randolphville Elementary School, and Knollwood Elementary School. Through continued efforts of energy conservation and infrastructure upgrades, the district was able to elevate all school buildings to Energy Star status.

Piscataway now has the most Energy Star K-12 certified buildings of any school district in New Jersey.

Much like an appliance in the home earns the Energy Star label, buildings are also awarded certification for energy efficiency. On average, Energy Star certified buildings and plants use 35 percent less energy, cause 35 percent fewer greenhouse gas emissions, and are less expensive to operate than their peers —all without sacrifices in performance or comfort.

Energy Star is the only energy efficiency certification in the United States that is based on actual, verified energy performance. The district was required to submit extensive data in its Energy Star applications in order to qualify, including occupancy, square footage, room temperatures, carbon dioxide levels, hours of operation, types of energy used, illumination levels, and more.

Solar panels on the roof of Piscataway High School.

Energy efficiency has been a priority of Piscataway Township Schools for over a decade.

“It’s been 15 years since we started putting solar panels on our schools; we really were out in front with that initiative,” said David Oliveira, Business Administrator and Board Secretary. “We’ve done a number of solar panel additions over the years. I’d like to thank the Board of Education for their commitment to using less energy and decreasing our carbon footprint.”

Piscataway entered into a partnership in 2019 with Cenergistic, an energy conservation consultant, that further helped boost energy efficiency in the district. The energy specialist tracks energy consumption at all campuses through state-of-the-art technology to identify and correct areas where energy is over-used. They work closely with district personnel as well as Cenergistic engineers and experts to continually optimize systems and schedules.

Energy efficient boilers at Piscataway High School.

Cenergistic monitors energy use with advanced technology and shapes energy-using practices through education — affecting how each person in the organization understands, uses, and saves energy for years to come. The outcome is healthier, more efficient buildings using less energy — and lower related costs.

“On behalf of the Environmental Protection Agency and all of us at Cenergistic, congratulations on this significant recognition,” said Scott Muir, client manager for Cenergistic. “We’re very proud of our partnership with Piscataway Township Schools and your commitment to protect the environment both today and for future generations.”