The School District of Lodi recently completed a lighting and fan upgrade at the Lodi High School gymnasium. The project improved comfort while reducing energy use, a true win-win for students, staff, and the community.
The new LED lighting fixtures improved lighting levels and lowered electricity costs. High efficiency fans were also installed to enhance airflow, making the gymnasium a more comfortable environment for the many school and community groups who use the space.
Both projects were led by the Science of Applied Problem Solving (SAPS) Club, a student group known for tackling real-world challenges. Beyond this energy initiative, SAPS has championed efforts at the high school, like expanding access to feminine hygiene products in bathrooms, fixing bathroom door issues, and implementing Math and English tutoring resources.
Students helped secure funding by writing grant applications that brought in $3,465 from Focus on Energy, Wisconsin’s statewide energy efficiency program, and $12,345.28 from Lodi Utilities and its wholesale power supplier, WPPI Energy. As a locally owned, not-for-profit utility, Lodi Utilities works closely with schools to help them save money and reinvest in the community.
“Working on this project showed us how much impact students can have,” said Emily TenBarge, a SAPS Club project leader. “Not only did we help improve comfort and saved energy, but we also learned a lot throughout the process.”
Schools are the heart of the Lodi community, and this project shows what’s possible when students, educators, the Board of Education, and local partners work together.