JACKSON TWP — The Seneca Valley School District has saved more than $817,000 in the past three years since aligning with an energy conservation company that has helped the district become more energy efficient.

Officials with Energy Education of Dallas, Texas, presented the school board with an award Monday night to recognize the district’s commitment to saving money while becoming more environmentally friendly.

The company has worked closely with school officials to examine all facets of energy use in the district, including the use of natural gas and electricity, water, heating and air conditioning systems, and even energy use of grounds care and maintenance.

Consultants with Energy Education have trained Rick Lapishka, school district energy education specialist, to analyze energy use to ensure that the most energy efficient practices are used.

He uses computer software to help track energy usage.

Lapishka said Monday that Seneca Valley has drastically cut back its carbon footprint.

He said the district has saved the equivalent of 5,445 metric tons of carbon dioxide that would have been emitted had it not been for ideas implemented by Energy Education,

Lapishka added that the amount of carbon dioxide saved also is equivalent to removing about 1,000 cars from the road for one year.

All costs for Energy Education’s programs and consultation come out of the district’s utility budget while the current cost avoidance is projected to pay for the program and then some. Any additional savings could be redirected to other parts of the district’s budget.

“The success of the program is two-fold in that it serves as an excellent cost avoidance while serving as an example to our students that energy conservation is not only something we teach, but a rule we live by,” said Superintendent Tracy Vitale.

According to a company spokesman, Energy Education has worked with more than 1,500 educational institutions nationwide for more than 25 years.

The district’s contract with the company runs through June.