Governor Jay Inslee Commends Energy Efficiency Efforts at Richard Gordon Elementary

Governor Jay Inslee visited Richard Gordon Elementary today to witness firsthand the strides in energy efficiency within the educational sector. The Governor engaged with students and staff, celebrating the school's commitment to sustainability through recent infrastructure upgrades.

Governor Inslee received a briefing during his visit about the energy-efficient HVAC heating and cooling system that was installed at Richard Gordon Elementary in 2021. The entire project was completed in 2023. The project involved replacing the outdated and underperforming infrastructure at the school. Complementing this achievement, the school also received upgraded LED lighting, enhancing classroom illumination while curbing energy consumption.

The Governor underscored the importance of such initiatives, highlighting their alignment with broader statewide efforts, sharing that these endeavors contribute to our collective responsibility in safeguarding the planet for future generations. He also shared a hopeful outlook, emphasizing the potential for future initiatives to receive funding assistance through the Climate Commitment Act.

The HVAC system and lighting upgrades at Richard Gordon Elementary were made possible through the 2018 voter-approved capital levy, which allocated $40 million to enhance school security and health and safety measures. Additionally, funding assistance from a Department of Commerce grant facilitated the realization of this energy-efficient infrastructure.

Interim Superintendent Rachel Davenport expressed gratitude for the Governor's visit, emphasizing the community's dedication to fostering a sustainable educational environment. "We extend our heartfelt appreciation to Governor Inslee for recognizing the importance of these improvements," stated Superintendent Davenport. "The support from our local voters underscores their commitment to prioritizing the well-being and comfort of our staff and students."