We all know that it is important to conserve energy within our homes and workplaces, but what about schools? Schools, after all, are an important part of our communities and represent spaces that almost all of us spend time in at some point. In this article, we will focus on some of the creative ways that schools of all levels are doing their part to protect their great green planet.
7 Ways to Save Energy at School
1. Replace your lights with LEDs
We know that LED light bulbs last longer than incandescent light bulbs and also use less energy, and both of these things make them a more environmental choice. If you have it within your power, it is a great idea to replace all of your classroom (or school’s) light bulbs.
2. Use Light Sensors
Along with less-intensive light bulbs, you may want to also consider encouraging the school board to install light sensors into the classroom setting. While we can certainly try to teach children to turn off the lights before they leave, we all know that that doesn’t have a perfect positivity rate. A light sensor is a great way to ensure that no lights are left on that don’t have to be.
3. Add Sensors to The Bathroom Fixtures
If possible, it is a great idea to add motion sensors to bathroom fixtures such as sinks or toilets This helps to mitigate water waste because it ensures that these appliances will not be in use any more than they have to be.
4. Teach Students About The Three “R’s”
If you are an educator, one of the best things that you can do is teach your students how to be stewards of their environment. An easy way to do this is to teach them about one of the most basic concepts in environmentalism, i.e., the three R’s of “Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle”. You can even incorporate fun activities within your classroom that help students learn how to recycle, such as encouraging students to use a recycling bin in place of a garbage bin when possible.
5. Keep The Lights Off During The Day
This may seem like a strange suggestion, but if it is a sunny day, there is probably no need to have the lights on all day. Teaching with the aid of only the sun is a great way to teach students about conserving energy in creative ways.
6. Start A Campaign For Solar Panel Installation
If you are a teacher, you might be able to petition your school board or governing officials to install solar panels by starting a petition. This would not only help you end up with solar panels on the roof but would also be a great opportunity to teach students about democracy! Some school boards may assume that the installation of solar panels is well out of their budget, but the reality is that they are more affordable than ever thanks to government incentives.
7. Clean The Furnace Filters
Okay, so you may not be cleaning the furnace filters yourself unless you’re custodial staff, but it may be worthwhile to ask your school’s administration if they have a plan set out that calls for the cleaning of furnace filters on a regular basis. Clogged furnace filters burn more energy because they make appliances less efficient.
What is the Importance of Conserving Energy At School?
It may seem strange to put a focus on conserving energy at school when the majority of adults spend most of their time at school or work but allow us to explain. Schools are training grounds for the adults of our future, and it’s important that we teach them the best habits at a young age so that they will be able to bring environmentally-friendly strategies into the future.
Also, schools tend to be large buildings, which means that they naturally use more energy than the average home. This means that enacting eco-conscious best practices at a school has the potential to have a wider impact than it would in an individual home. Of course, it is ideal if you take your school’s lead and try to save electricity within your own home as well!
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Brad is proud to be of First Nation’s descent with ancestry traced back to the Manitoba Red River Band. With over 20 years’ experience in the construction industry, Brad offers an extensive background of project procurement in industries from agriculture, electrical distribution to commercial construction. Brad is a NABCEP certified professional with a thirst for ongoing education in the renewable field.
