On May 9, 2019, MCPS Chief Operating Officer, Andrew M. Zuckerman sent out a Memo to all of the 200+ school principals and other recipients like CUPF, to reiterate the school system’s energy conservation plan, as well as suggesting best practices for users to prevent mold growth in school buildings during the hot summer months.
The memo describes the exorbitant cost of electricity use(d) during the summer months, especially in the peak period from mid-afternoon to early evening. The summer-afternoon cost of electricity can be eight to ten times more expensive at times than on a non-summer day. About 15% percent of the MCPS annual electricity cost (which is approximately $4 million) is charged for the power used during in just the two-hour span of high demand, which is from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
The hour with the most use is between 4:00 pm and 5:00 pm. Also, in the Memo
are measures and best practices adopted by MCPS Energy Management team to
prevent the growth of mold in school buildings. One of the practices is for
school tenants and community users to keep building windows and entry doors
closed when the air conditioning is on. That simple task will ward off air
infiltration, which often causes humidity that eventually leads to mold growth.
In addition to being unhealthy, mold growth can cause damage to a building.
This is why CUPF supports MCPS’ summer energy conservation policy and mold prevention in school buildings by systematically restricting indoor community use of schools between 3 p.m. and 5 p.m. Energy conservation at the schools is not limited only to these two hours; it must be observed throughout the night and weekend also. By adhering to the energy plan and the rules on the permit, MCPS schools requested for community use will continue to be available when needed.
This is why CUPF supports MCPS’ summer energy conservation policy and mold prevention in school buildings by systematically restricting indoor community use of schools between 3 p.m. and 5 p.m. Energy conservation at the schools is not limited only to these two hours; it must be observed throughout the night and weekend also. By adhering to the energy plan and the rules on the permit, MCPS schools requested for community use will continue to be available when needed.
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Office of Community Use of Public Facilities
Montgomery County Government, Maryland
Email: CUPF@MontgomeryCountyMD.gov
Phone: 240-777-2725