This post was submitted from the VBCPS Office of School Plant Services, which is overseen by Brian Baxter, director.

Virginia Beach City Public Schools has realized substantial energy savings and cost avoidances through numerous energy management initiatives that are managed by the Office of School Plant. As staff and schools are aware, energy management initiatives include strategies for keeping buildings at certain temperature set points that will maximize the efficiency of systems and building comfort. With set point levels dependent on the time of day and year, VBCPS’s general standard for managing energy use effectively includes temperature set points of 75 degrees for cooling and 71 degrees for heating during occupied periods in classrooms. “Occupied periods” generally range from an hour before the start of school until 9 p.m. on weekdays. These temperature settings are within industry recommendations for indoor environments in offices and classrooms and have proven to continue to support an optimal learning environment in our schools.

1. Outside of these periods, temperature set points are five degrees higher or eight degrees lower than the aforementioned temperatures depending on the time of year.
2. HVAC systems are never “shut off” unless power is interrupted or individual units are undergoing maintenance.
3. Temperatures may briefly drift a degree or two from the set points while the room environment reaches an equilibrium temperature.

Any needed changes within a facility should be requested through a work order via Maintenance Direct. While these standards are integral in upholding greatest efficiency within our school system, it is important to note that exceptions can be granted for documented medical needs of staff and/or students. Unfortunately, the manipulation and altering of thermostats causes further damage to the mechanical equipment and may delay needed repairs. School Plant staff is happy to work with individual cases to provide the most efficient management of our facilities as well as a healthy environment for students and staff.

Extra-curricular activities that take place after 9 p.m. on weekdays or during weekends should also be requested through the Maintenance Direct System. To ensure that School Plant personnel have enough lead time to process all requests, it is important to submit the work order no less than 24 hours prior to the event.