Student Energy Managers help Wenatchee schools avoid $433K state penalty

WENATCHEE — A group of Wenatchee High School students is helping the Wenatchee School District do more than conserve energy. They're helping save taxpayers money.

District officials announced Tuesday that the district has met the state's Clean Buildings Performance Standard for Wenatchee High School, avoiding an estimated $433,000 penalty that could have been assessed if the building failed to meet energy-efficiency requirements before this month's compliance deadline.

School leaders credit the achievement to the district's Student Energy Managers program, which employs Wenatchee High School students in paid internships focused on monitoring energy use, conducting building inspections, collecting utility data and helping the district improve efficiency.

Washington's Clean Buildings Performance Standard requires larger commercial and public buildings to meet energy-efficiency benchmarks by specific deadlines. Buildings that fail to comply may face financial penalties based on their size. At 278,000 square feet, Wenatchee High School is considered “Tier 1” and was required to meet the first-round deadline in July, while the district's remaining facilities fall under a second compliance phase scheduled for July 2027.

"This is what student-led, real-world learning looks like," Superintendent Kory Kalahar said. "Our students aren't just learning about energy efficiency — they're directly saving the district money, helping our community meet a serious state mandate, and building a more energy-efficient future for Wenatchee."

The Student Energy Managers program is a partnership between the Wenatchee School District and Advanced Energy Management that gives students hands-on experience while supporting the district's energy management efforts. Working alongside energy professionals and Chelan County PUD, students have helped reduce districtwide energy use by more than 30% while generating nearly $88,000 in utility savings, according to the district.

Their work extends well beyond Wenatchee schools.

Student interns have helped 11 Tier 1 buildings across North Central Washington meet the state's energy requirements and are currently assisting 37 additional Tier 2 buildings, including Town Toyota Center, Confluence Health, NCW Libraries, North Central Educational Service District, JCPenney and the Cashmere School District. Those services are provided at no cost through the state's Early Adopter Incentive Program.

The students have also become familiar faces throughout the community, promoting conservation efforts and encouraging businesses to participate in energy-saving campaigns. Earlier in July, they organized the "Power-Down Playoffs," a friendly competition encouraging businesses and public facilities to reduce electricity use during the Independence Day holiday.

District officials estimate the program has helped keep between $6 million and $8 million in the local economy by assisting organizations in meeting state energy standards and avoiding potential compliance penalties.

The Washington State Department of Commerce has recognized the Student Energy Managers program as a model for combining career-connected learning with community service, while the students themselves have presented their work to the Wenatchee School Board, Chelan County PUD commissioners, the Port of Chelan Douglas, professional education organizations and industry conferences.

Businesses and organizations interested in receiving assistance through the Student Energy Managers program can learn more or request support by visiting aemmovement.com/sem-advocates.

Andrew Simpson: 509-433-7626 or andrew@ward.media