Shining a Spotlight on Energy Efficiency

We are Launching a New Series Highlighting Staff at Eastern Mennonite who support our mission!

While staff may not see the proverbial light switch on for students in the classroom, these individuals ensure that the physical lights are turned on (and off!). The spaces we learn and work in matter. Well-lit, conditioned spaces that meet students’ and teachers’ physical needs have a strong impact on education, effectively advancing the mission of Eastern Mennonite School (EMS).

This article marks the first in a series dedicated to our buildings and maintenance efforts.

Jason Bradley and Tyler Kauffman, the devoted members of EMS’s building and maintenance team, are instrumental in ensuring that the K-12 school environment is not only well-maintained but also operates sustainably.

Preserving and Renewing

While our school dates back to 1917, our upper building where 6th-12th grades are held dates back to 1964 with some later additions including the Fine Arts Wing. Since 1964, the upper building has been home to generations of students, with its walls echoing stories of senior trips to DC, hallways filled with choirs singing in four-part harmony, and gym banners celebrating championships. Standing before the spirited wildfire cheering section, you can almost catch the faint aroma of popcorn alongside the EMS chant, “Let’s go flames!” Our cherished “upper building,” steeped in shared history, invites the responsibility of preserving its integrity, while renewing it for future generations of students

Jason and Tyler approach their tasks with a practical mindset. As Jason states, “The more we can maintain efficiency, the more we can fulfill the mission.” This philosophy motivates their efforts to ensure every system in the building operates at peak performance with the resources available.

Energy Efficiency

Through energy efficiency as a lens, Tyler reflects on their improvements and acknowledges there is still more to address. Paul Leaman, Head of the School, adds that updates to windows, doors, and other enhancements are on the agenda. Recent efforts to automate lighting controls not only minimize energy waste but also enhance the overall user experience within the school. Transitioning from outdated mercury thermostats to modern automated systems has been transformative, allowing for precise temperature regulation throughout the building.

Jason has upgraded light switches throughout the building with motion and audio censors

This is the “toaster” that will be installed for water heater efficiencies.

A significant project currently underway is the installation of a new hot water heating system designed for more efficient use of existing heat. By installing this system (which is about the size of a toaster) with the building’s current heating resources, they aim to curb unnecessary energy usage. “We’re not consuming extra electricity when we’re already generating that heat,” Jason emphasizes, highlighting the importance of resourcefulness in their work. While touring the building, Paul promptly points out, “Jason built that,” and Tyler adds, “He finds solutions for everything.” A recent example includes an insulated cover Jason created to shield the air vents on the gym roof, preventing heat loss during significant pressure or temperature changes.

The cap for the outside gym vent.

Their dedication to maintaining the HVAC system is another vital aspect of their responsibilities. Tyler recalls discovering a completely nonfunctional air conditioning unit with a bush growing inside it. In aging buildings, units may be abandoned and simply ignored, resulting in inefficient air loss. Jason has worked tirelessly to replace broken units while cleaning accumulated dust, and restoring air handling units to keep the system in top shape. 

The cage for our lift Jason designed and built.

Stewarding our Resources

Although Jason has only been with EMS for two and a half years, his and Tyler’s accomplishments during this time are remarkable. Tyler mentions that before Jason joined, he struggled to manage the numerous equipment issues. Jason’s meticulous approach has restored the systems to baseline efficiency and fostered a culture of conscientiousness within the team. “If it’s not being done right, why would we do it?” Tyler states, underlining Jason’s commitment to quality work.

Their collaborative efforts have yielded impressive results, such as last winter’s gas savings resulting from the replacement of an old, inefficient boiler. “It was a colder year, but we saved $15,000 in gas,” Jason proudly shares.

In a world where behind-the-scenes efforts often go unnoticed, we are grateful for the work of Jason and Tyler, who help create and sustain an efficient and functional learning environment. Their dedication to excellence is evident in every project they undertake. As the school continues to grow and evolve, the hard work of these two devoted individuals ensures that the building not only fulfills its purpose but does so in a manner that honors our school community’s values and supports the memories yet to come.

At Eastern Mennonite School, we can be confident that Jason and Tyler’s conscientious approach and commitment to efficiency exemplify the spirit of stewardship at the heart of EMS. We deeply appreciate their dedication and the positive impact they make every day.

The shop has two sides, the student and staff side, this is a great learning resource for students.

Jason, Paul, and Tyler admire the lighting changes in the gym.