Natrona County School District facilities planners are doing their best to earn an Energy Star label for the new CY Middle School, a tag given to only the most energy efficient buildings.

Engineer Jason Gutierrez said the school will have a high performance hearing and air conditioning system-the first of its kind in Natrona County-in addition to other energy saving measures that could earn the school the label.

Around the country, school districts are seeking to cut the cost of skyrocketing utility bills by implementing energy saving techniques in their buildings.

According to Energy Star's Web site, more than 12,000 schools have been named energy leaders for their work in cutting energy costs. Energy Star estimates the total utility bill for schools nationwide is approximately $6 billion.

In Wyoming, Energy Star has partnered with 26 companies, including Fremont County School District 14.

CY Middle School will have hand dryers instead of paper towels in bathrooms, and low flow toilets and faucets. In addition, solar tubes will bring natural light into the classrooms.

Mark Antrim, associate superintendent for facilities and technology, said the district makes every effort to use sustainable materials while keeping building costs in check.

"We aren't going to the extreme of going all out in building green," Antrim said. "That tends to drive up costs to a level that very few people are willing to pay for."

Energy saving measures are also being used at the new Ft. Caspar Academy, Gutierrez said.

The school's lighting system is motion sensored, so the lights shut off when there's no movement in a classroom. Skylights were built in the hallways to take advantage of natural light.

Even the playground's fall material is made from recycled, shredded tires after hazardous materials have been removed from them. Wood chips are usually used as fall material.

"It's a superior product to wood fiber," Gutierrez said. "The children love it, the parents love it, everybody really enjoys it."

Gutierrez said building green can be expensive, but is worthwhile in the long run.

"We feel we will more than recoup that cost in energy savings," Gutierrez said. "It's something we consider on every school project and remodel and addition."

Reach education reporter Jasa Santos at (307) 266-0593 or at Jasa.Santos@trib.com. Read her blog at my.trib.com/jasasantos.