SARASOTA COUNTY — Since 2007, when the Sarasota County school district began partnering with a consulting firm that specializes in helping public organizations find ways to reduce energy costs, the district has saved more than
$16 million.

The amount represents the difference between what the district projected it would have spent on utilities compared to what it actually spent. The difference is based on the benchmark school year of 2006-07 and projections of energy costs in subsequent years if energy consumption continued at a similar rate.