Using Cellular IoT for energy monitoring for solutions statewide in schools systems

Across the country, school districts are dealing with shrinking budgets. Increasingly, important funds are being diverted to rising energy bills, often the second largest annual budget item behind salaries. In the face of escalating operating costs, many districts have to o set costs in other ways, like reducing maintenance and other resources that affect facilities.

On top of dealing with reduced upkeep, many school buildings are decades old and not energy efficient. Since most schools can’t afford to rebuild entire campuses with energy efficient buildings, districts and departments of education are often looking for other ways to save money and reduce utility costs.

 

While not widely advertised, there are a number of state and federal programs that provide energy incentives in the form of rebates, grants and loans. The purpose of these programs is to support new technology for energy efficiency and ultimately reduce the cost of operating facilities to save money in the long term.

Since school’s cannot operate without lights, heating or cooling, the creation a smart energy solution with a company like GeoTraq can help education departments develop a statewide energy monitoring system.

Experts in long-range, wireless cellular connectivity, GeoTraq technology allows energy systems to be monitored statewide from any web enabled device. Independent of Bluetooth and WiFi, districts will also benefit from the substantial savings that sidestep the added expenditure of additional infrastructure like routers, gateways or antennas.

 

Using GeoTraq’s cellular IoT network, sensors can be used in devices set to alert administrators when mold is detected, asbestos, gas and water leaks. Excess or insufficient wattage for heaters, air conditioners, refrigerators and freezers can also be monitored. Light and temperature sensors can be used to maintain the appropriate amount of light for learning and keep indoor climates within the 67 ̊- 74 ̊F range, which is optimal for facilitating reading and math skills.

Remote energy monitoring will keep costs down by reducing operational expenditures in the form of utilities and labor. The benefit of less money going out means more resources can be used towards classroom instruction and the provisioning of a safe and comfortable environment for learning.