Westbrook Superintendent Reza Namin received the Maine Public Utilities Commission/Efficiency Maine’s Hastings Award in a ceremony today at the State House.
Gov. John Baldacci presented the award to Namin. In a statement, Baldacci said the school department has made extraordinary efforts to increase the energy efficiency of its buildings and incorporate the work into the curriculum.
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Last year, the school department allocated $600,000 of stimulus funds to improve the energy use in its buildings across the district. The City Council unanimously supported the board’s request.
In the past few years, new school buildings and additions in Westbrook have included upgrades in energy efficiency. The changes include new heating systems, solar gain, heating and cooling system control technology, and increased insulation and R-values in walls.
The school department also has made upgrades in lighting its gyms, hallways, and building trades facilities. It is now using high-output energy-efficient fluorescent and compact fluorescent lighting.
“This award reflects the partnership with the city and school,” Namin said after the ceremony. “In order for us to improve our buildings, it requires us to work together..”
The award is given annually in memory of Philip C. Hastings, founding director of Efficiency Maine.
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