In an attempt to move forward with school improvements, particularly at Flathead High School, the Kalispell school board last month agreed to spend $59,858 to complete an investment grade energy audit.

Trustees agreed utility savings would free up general-fund money.

The purpose of the audit is to identify cost-neutral projects that will save energy and utility costs over time. The audit will help the district determine if there are enough modifications to borrow money and make the changes.

Making upgrades in this way is a good opportunity to complete some priority work in the district, Superintendent Darlene Schottle said.

“The reason this is more appealing is because the state has allowed loans to extend up to 15 years to get that cost-neutral amount,” Schottle said. “The information certainly saves us in excess of what the audit costs us.”

Using July 2010 through June 2011 as a baseline, the district spent just over $1 million in utilities, according to a presentation given to the board by Ameresco, an energy-efficiency and renewable-energy company.

Solan said the district potentially could reduce utility costs by 12 to 18 percent annually — approximately $3 million — over 15 years, if utility costs rise by 3 percent each year.

When looking at a building comparison of energy costs per square foot the top 10 consumers during the baseline period, according to Solan, were:

• Laser School — $14,053 covering 7,825 square feet

• Vocational Agriculture — $29,178 covering 23,142 square feet

• Elrod Elementary — $25,178 covering 27,053 square feet

• Hedges Elementary — $44,141 covering 39,009 square feet

• Administration Building — $32,764 covering 20,250 square feet

• Russell Elementary— $34,521 covering 32,786 square feet

• Linderman — $34,727 covering 38,746 square feet

• Maintenance building — $6,864 covering 7,000 square feet

• Flathead High School — $315,250 covering 294,542 square feet

• Kalispell Middle School — $175,787 covering 169,715 square feet

If trustees choose to contract with Ameresco to fulfill project upgrades, the company offered to provide guaranteed savings.

Reporter Hilary Matheson may be reached at 758-4431 or by email at hmatheson@dailyinterlake.com.