Kaneohe Among Top National Energy Savers

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Three Kaneohe government buildings have made the “top 25” percent in the nation when rated according to Energy Star standards for 2010.

State facilities as a whole and 13 in particular have saved energy consistently over the past three years, according to a Lead By Example report to the 2011 State Legislature from the state Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism.

The Abner Paki Hale Courthouse, Kaneohe Elementary School and Kaneohe Civic Center are on the list of 13 buildings earning ENERGY STAR certification. The courthouse, at 45-939 Pookela St., has 26,374 square feet of floor space and was erected in 2004 between Kaneohe District Park and Windward Community College.

Savings were achieved through equipment and lighting upgrades, solar installations and more. Officials predict millions of dollars in savings on electricity bills in the future as improvements continue. ENERGY STAR is a joint program of the U.S. EPA and Department of Energy to protect the environment and reduce costs through energy-efficient products and practices. Hawaii joined the EPA Energy Star Challenge in October 2005.