MADISON, Wis. -- As Earth week continues, one local elementary school is being recognized for setting an example with its eco-friendly, energy-efficient plan.

VIDEO: Watch The Report

Government leaders said they hope the green plan at Shorewood Hills Elementary catches on at other area schools.

A new heating system is just one of energy-saving devices at the school.

"It provides ventilation and heat to the classroom, and up in the corner is a motion sensor that will turn on the fan in the unit when there are people in the classroom," said Doug Pearson, director of building services for the Madison Metropolitan School District. "The gymnasium had the lights replaced. (And there) are new energy-efficient hot water boilers."

Pearson came up with a district's plan nine years ago. He said schools like Shorewood Hills Elementary are going green while saving some money.

"The difference between this winter and last winter at this school, we spent $3,000 less on our utility bills. Overall, we've reduced the consumption in the school by 25 percent," Pearson said.

Lt. Gov. Barbara Lawton was showing off Shorewood Hills Elementary on Thursday as part of her new statewide energy challenge.

"I want at least 100 of those 400 plus school districts to join them in reducing their energy consumption by at least 10 percent," Lawton said.

Administrators said that saving energy sets a good example for students but that there's an even greater incentive.

"Every dollar that we don't spend paying utility bills is a dollar being spent in the classroom," Pearson said.

There are eight other Energy Star schools in the Madison Metropolitan School District.

The new Paul J. Olson Elementary School, opening this fall, will be nationally recognized by the U.S. Green Building Council. It will be the first public school in the state to earn that recognition.