PJMS wins Great Alaska Energy Challenge

PALMER — Renewable Energy Alaska Project has announced four winners for this year’s Great Alaska Energy Challenge.

The contest pitted 10 teams from around the state against each other to see who could save the most energy over six months.

Palmer Junior Middle School’s Energy Dawgs won the category for lowest use for heat.

“There is no quicker, easier way for businesses, schools and homeowners to save money than to use energy efficiency and conservation,” said Alaska Housing Finance Corp. Energy Specialist Scott Waterman.

Combined energy efficiency and conservation efforts helped participants shave more than $40,000 compared to last year, and avoided emitting more than 500,000 pounds of carbon dioxide.

The challenge was organized by Renewable Energy Alaska Project and sponsored by Alaska Housing Finance Corp., and ran from October 2011 to March 2012.

It focused on public facilities, with the goal of raising awareness about energy efficiency and conservation and saving the state and municipalities money. Commercial building owners typically use energy mostly for heating, ventilation, lighting and office equipment.

For more information, visit akenergyefficiency.org/energychallenge.