A recent energy conservation project is putting Carroll High School in the spotlight.

The Catholic school is the first in the Archdiocese of Cincinnati to implement such a large energy conservation project. The $303,855 project, designed by Energy Optimizers, USA, includes lighting upgrades, replacing the boiler, improved HVAC controls, and other repairs. Completed this summer, the project is designed to reduce energy usage and cost and save money.

While public schools can take advantage of the Ohio School Facilities Energy Conservation Financing Program for energy-savings projects, Carroll High School had to look at other funding options.

“The only way we can do this is to self-fund these energy projects,” said Jeff Bohrer, a Carroll High School teacher and proponent of energy savings.

The school took out a loan to pay for the upgrades that are expected to save about $33,000 in energy costs annually. Energy savings will be used to fund the loan, Bohrer explained.

Bohrer, who teaches physics, physical science and renewable energy classes, has been encouraging energy conservation for several years.

“I’m passionate about it because to me it makes sense on so many levels,” he said, explaining that this conservation project saves money, is good for the environment, and is aesthetically pleasing.

“Catholic social teaching calls us to care of the earth and be good stewards of the planet. This project is an outward sign of practicing what we preach,” Matthew Sableski, principal at Carroll Catholic High School.

Before committing to this project, the school experienced the positive impact of a smaller energy-saving endeavor. Bohrer said the school spent $15,000 to replace the lights in the gym. Because the annual energy savings was projected to be $5,000 annually, the project was expected to pay for itself in three years.