Saving Energy
Ideas for getting started:
- In class, discuss all the ways energy can be reduced.
- If air conditioning is used, keep classroom doors and windows closed.
- Install LED lights, ceiling fans and solar panels in the school if possible.
- Using thermometers to monitor the inside temperature and regulating temperature as much as possible by passive means – curtains, opening windows.
- Use a Classroom Shutdown Checklist to make sure electrical appliances and lights are turned off when not needed.
- Communicate ways to save energy and progress made to the school community via class visits, assemblies, newsletters, students pod casts and videos on social media.
Examples in schools around the world
The following list of schools features examples of sustainability practices which are part of school programs around the world.
Generally, these schools aim to achieve a Whole School Approach; the school community integrating sustainability into their daily programs and school life.
These examples highlight some of the outstanding but achievable practices. Projects do not have to be on a large scale to be effective.
Fiji: Navotua Infants Primary School
Nacula Island, Fiji
With a grant from Its Time Foundation, the school installed solar panels
Sri Lanka: Mailapitiya School
Kandy, Sri Lanka
In 2016, two classrooms at the school were rebuilt to an environmentally sustainable design.
Energy reduction strategies include utilisation of natural light by inclusion of a sky light in the roof and open grill windows; these windows also serve to cool the room by allowing airflow; ecofriendly clay bricks; use of other locally sought materials that are lead free; use of materials from the foundation of the previous building.
The buildings were funded by a grant from Projects for Peace.
United Kingdom: St Luke’s CE Primary School
Kingston upon Thames, United Kingdom
The student Eco team plans programs each term to reduce energy across the school. Strategies include:
- Appointment of student energy monitors
- Discussion at school assembly about how to reduce energy use
- Posters and signs as visual reminders to the school community
- No energy afternoons – using energy only when absolutely necessary
- A Switch Off event to raise awareness
- Recording meter reading at school and home to monitor energy use and track energy savings
- Discussion of solar panel installation at school
- Walking to school is encouraged and incentivised by awarding points to students’ house teams
Northern Ireland: Holy Trinity College
Cookstown, Northern Ireland
This school has an Eco Team consisting of 12 students called the “Eco-Warriors”.
The Eco-Warriors identified significant energy overuse at their school when they examined the school’s Display Energy Certificate, (which rates energy efficiency).
Their planned response to reduce their school’s energy necessitated the attitudinal change of the school community to motivate changes in behavioural. The plan included:
- Display of the Energy Certificate around the school including staff areas as a constant visual prompt to change
- Communication of the problem to the whole school community and importantly involvement of the Head Caretaker who was in charge of school infrastructure
- Reminder labels on every light switch and appliance (including the principal’s office) to turn off
- Setting up a system to switch of all computers at a designated time
- Installation of low energy light bulbs
- Speaking at assemblies to stress the importance of energy reduction and gaining student support
The outcome of their efforts was a 20% reduction in energy use in the first year. They have continued their program over several years, continually aiming to reduce the school’s footprint. .
Australia: St Francis of Assisi Primary School
Wodonga, Victoria, Australia
Building to Eco Design
To deal with very extreme temperatures especially summer, the school’s buildings are made of rammed earth for insulation. It is designed with ventilation, water tanks, solar panels and automatic light switches to lower energy use.