The Delaware Sustainable Energy Utility (dba Energize Delaware) and the Foundation for Renewable Energy and Environment (FREE) today launched DESKS — Delaware Energy Sustainability for K-12 Schools — a free, public dashboard that estimates the clean-energy potential of every public school district in the state.
DESKS uses the latest remote-sensing data to estimate two things for each public school district: the solar generation potential of building rooftops and parking lots, and the savings potential from improved lighting and air conditioning. It is available to the public at no cost:
“Delaware’s public schools are anchors of their communities, and they spend real money on energy every year. DESKS gives districts, policymakers, and the public a clear, data-driven look at what’s possible — rooftop by rooftop, parking lot by parking lot — so we can have a more informed conversation about clean energy in our schools.”
— Drew Slater, Executive Director, Energize Delaware
The dashboard employs state-of-the-art imaging and measurement processes to derive accurate estimates of the rooftop area available for code-compliant installation of solar panels, and sophisticated building-performance software to estimate potential electricity savings from improved lighting and air conditioning technology.
“Our goal is to provide the public, our school leaders, and our government decision makers with accurate information from the best available data. The provided link meets this goal. Be assured we are continually refining methods, data sources, and economic estimates behind it to improve the quality and accuracy of the information. We welcome input from everyone who cares about Delaware’s schools.”
— Dr. John Byrne, President, and Dr. Job Taminiau, Research Director, FREE
Energize Delaware and FREE are working on the economics of these strategies and will report detailed results at a later date; preliminary results are included in this initial version of DESKS. The dashboard currently relies on data for public school districts in the Delmarva Power service territory, with coverage expanding to all Delaware public schools and school districts as additional utility data becomes available.
Share your feedback
DESKS will improve through the input of those who know Delaware’s schools and its energy needs — policymakers, energy professionals, district staff, and community leaders alike. Staff are available to walk individuals or teams through the dashboard. To arrange a call, a Zoom meeting, or an in-person walkthrough, contact Layla Smith at lsmith@freefutures.org or (302) 377-7484.
About Energize Delaware
The Delaware Sustainable Energy Utility, dba Energize Delaware, was created in 2007 by the State of Delaware to deliver clean energy programs, efficiency upgrades, and low-cost financing to residents, businesses, and government entities — completely independent of taxpayer funding. Learn more at energizedelaware.org.
About FREE
The Foundation for Renewable Energy and Environment (FREE) is a research organization dedicated to advancing sustainable energy solutions through rigorous analysis and data-driven tools. Learn more at freefutures.org.
Media contact: Layla Smith · lsmith@freefutures.org · (302) 377-7484
