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Appliances

Appliances just being "plugged in" cost the school district money.  Standby, idle, or phantom energy consumption accounts for approximately 5-10% of electricity and is estimated to contribute to 1% of global CO2 emissions.

Here is the appliance approval matrix. This was generated by an advisory committee of over 20 people in 2017.

Appliances Guidance
  Standard Set Approved Break Areas Only (Permanent) Medical Educational Purpose Events (Temporary) By Exception Only Not Allowed
  One Fan  Microwaves Mini-Refrigerator Examples Examples Space Heaters (District Purchased Only) Diffusers (including plug-in type)
  One Lamp Keurigs Table Top Ice Maker Computers Popcorn Machine Large/Multiple Fans Rock Lamps
  Cell Phone Charger Coffee Makers Ice Machine Projectors Crock Pot Large/Multiple Lamps Lava Lamps
  Radio Refrigerators   Smart Boards Electric Kettles Doors Propped Open  
  Clock Mini-Refrigerators   Heat Lamps Hot Chocolate/Coffee Urn Windows Open  
  Air Cleaners Toasters/Ovens   Terrarium/Aquariums Electric Griddle    
    Dishwashers   Microscopes Coffee Warmer    
    Freezers   Printers Hot Plates/Burner    
    Vending Machines   TV/Monitors Holiday Lights (Temporary!)    
        Stereos/Sound Systems      
        Grow Lights      
        Bread Maker      
        Blender      
        Iron      
        Hand Mixer      
        Laminators      
        Electric 3 Hole Punch      
        Paper Shredders      
Approval Level Individual Facilities Facilities Facilities/Administrator Administrator Facilities No Exceptions
Tracker Required No Yes Yes Yes No Yes No

*All medical accommodations must be approved through Human Resources prior to being present in the schools.

*Temporary is less than a week.

*Approved heaters will be supplied by the district.

*Break room items are site-funded and are only allowed in approved break areas.

*Break room-type items that are kept in other spaces for educational purposes or events will be added to the tracker.

*Specialized equipment for students with an individual education plan (IEP) must be approved by the Director of Special Education and Student Services.

*The appliance tracker lists approved appliances by site. All custodial site supervisors have access to the tracker and can provide it upon request.

We are trying to strike a balance of safety, efficiency, and comfort. Too many plug-ins increase fire risk, use excessive electricity, and make rooms difficult to clean and maintain. We inventory appliances every summer and keep a tracker for approved and unapproved appliances.

Energy Conservation Program

The Medford School District Energy Conservation program went into effect in 2011.  The purpose of the program is to strike a balance between energy conservation goals and objectives and an adequate educational environment.

  • Appliances are one small component of the energy conservation program. 
  • All employees review the energy conservation policy during annual safe schools training.
  • Heating and cooling are only on during scheduled teaching hours and for special events.
  • MSD only runs the HVAC in select areas over breaks or on weekends, typically in a single location for crews to cool down or warm up.
  • The aggregate matters.  Small steps make a big difference, and it all adds up over 20 sites.
  • MSD spends ~ $2 million a year on power and gas.
  • In 2015, the energy conservation effort brought back more than $200,000 to the district.
  • An improved summer shutdown saved more than $50,000 in a three-month period.