New energy expert fills vacant position

Hamman arrives at PPS after working at Beaverton School District as an energy analyst, where he led a project that improved heating and ventilation controls. He graduated from the Oregon Institute of Technology in 2010 with a degree in renewable energy engineering.

“Schools have massive capabilities to use energy more efficiently,” says Hamman. “This work helps kids have a better learning environment. It also allows us to put more money into educating students rather than, for example, just keeping the lights on.”

In addition to his ongoing work identifying opportunities to save energy, Hamman is helping PPS evaluate a recent project that involved installing energy-savings devices, such as occupancy sensors for lights, in five PPS schools using Recovery Zone Economic Development Bonds.

Recent or ongoing energy efficiency projects at PPS include:

• Converting old oil boilers to natural gas systems
• Implementing power management software for all district computers
• Upgrading exit lights to use LED’s (Light Emitting Diodes)
• Replacing inefficient HID (High Intensity Discharge) lighting in gyms
• Kitchen equipment upgrades, including new insulated food warmers and Energy Star Qualified commercial convection ovens
• Energy measurement and verification
• Management and monitoring of utility usage and budget

Catherine Diviney previously held the position and is now a municipal energy manager in Connecticut.

At Portland Public Schools, this is our goal: By the end of elementary, middle, and high school, every student by name will meet or exceed academic standards and will be fully prepared to make productive life decisions. For more information on Portland Public Schools, call 503-916-3304, e-mail us at pubinfo@pps.net, or visit www.pps.k12.or.us. Portland Public Schools is an equal opportunity educator and employer.