The Santa Maria Valley Chamber of Commerce and SoCalGas have recognized the Santa Maria Joint Union High School District (SMJUHSD) as an Energy Efficiency Partner, celebrating five years dedicated to sustainability and fiscal responsibility.

On June 9 Michael Boyer, president/CEO of the Santa Maria Valley Chamber of Commerce, and John Rohner, district manager for SoCalGas, presented the SMJUHSD Board of Education with a certificate of recognition and a check for $6,150.

The check represents a direct utility rebate for energy-efficient pool covers recently installed at Righetti High School. Over their lifespan, the specialized pool covers are projected to save 15,252 therms, translating to an estimated $11,500 in additional long-term cost savings for the school district.

This pool rebate is just one piece of a successful, multi-year collaboration, the chamber said. Through the Public Sector Regional Energy Pathways Program, which is funded by SoCalGas and administered throughout the tri-counties by the Santa Maria Valley Chamber, the school district has implemented extensive efficiency upgrades.

Over the past several years, SoCalGas funded $4,800 in no-cost installation work completed by Synergy across district high schools and support buildings. The upgrades included high-efficiency water heaters, pipe insulation, aerators, spray valves, and low-flow showerheads.

Annually, the no-cost upgrades conserve 17,932 therms, slashing the district’s annual utility expenses by an estimated $13,449.

Cumulatively over a five-year period, the school district’s commitment to energy efficiency has saved 104,912 therms, delivering an impressive total of $89,634 in combined energy savings, rebates, and no-cost upgrades, according to reports.

“The Santa Maria Joint Union High School District has shown an unwavering commitment to energy efficiency improvements across its many schools and district buildings,” said Michael Boyer, president/CEO of the Santa Maria Valley Chamber.

“This partnership proves that focusing on sustainable community value and resource mobilization directly benefits our local schools, our environment, and our taxpayers,” he said.

The Public Sector Regional Energy Pathways Program provides energy efficiency resources, rebates and upgrades to public sector municipalities and special districts throughout Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo and Ventura counties.