It’s no secret that schools can be huge energy consumers. From the lights in the classrooms and hallways to the computers in the library, there are many opportunities for energy waste. However, there are also many opportunities for savings. By implementing some simple energy-saving measures, schools can save money and help the environment at the same time.
How to Save Energy at School?
Here are a few tips for saving energy at school:
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Use the sun to your advantage
Use the sun if your classroom is full of windows and it’s a sunny day. If you’re giving a lecture and students don’t need to read what’s right in front of them, turn off the overhead lights and let the sunshine in. Use blinds to cut down on the light.
When compared to the harsh overhead lights in most classrooms, natural light will make it easier to learn. Studies show that natural light makes people more alert and helps them stay on task. It also makes them feel better. Also, if you turn off the lights in September, the room will be cooler.
If you are building a new school or fixing up an old one, you should think about energy-efficient windows that face south and reduce heat, as well as skylights in common areas like hallways and cafeterias. Sunlight cuts down on how much power is used overall.
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Use LED light bulbs.
Most homes have already stopped using old incandescent light bulbs, which use a lot of energy and cost money. Schools can do the same thing by getting rid of all incandescent bulbs and standard fluorescent lights and replacing them with more energy-efficient ones. Since lights are on for almost the whole day, they are one of the biggest costs of running a school. Standard lights can also give off a lot of heat, which can raise the cost of cooling.
CFLs, or Compact Fluorescent Lights, are one option. They can be used in either fluorescent sockets or regular screw-base sockets. CFLs last longer and cost less to run than traditional incandescent bulbs. But if a CFL leaks or breaks, mercury comes out, which is bad. They also burn out fast if you turn them on and off often.
LED bulbs, which are becoming the standard for energy-efficient lighting, are a powerful way to light up a room at a fraction of the cost of electricity. Diodes, which are used in these bulbs, have gotten better and cheaper over time, which makes them cheaper to make and cheaper to buy. LED light bulbs have a longer lifespan and require less energy to operate. They also help students focus better and be less hyperactive.
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Buy power strips that use less energy.
Keep computers and other devices in the classroom plugged into power strips to reduce the amount of power used by devices that are just sitting there. This will not only help save power every day, but it will also make it easier to unplug everything during long vacations. Invest in smart power strips, which can save 5% to 10% of power by turning off power to devices that are plugged in but not being used.
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Get LCD screens or smart projectors for your TVs.
Light bulbs aren’t the only thing in a school that can help you save energy. When you’re learning, you should also think about how much power TV screens and computer monitors use. Screens are used in schools to improve lesson plans, give extra information, and have fun movie reward days. Older TVs with bigger screens use a lot more electricity than newer TVs with smaller screens. When compared to regular TVs, ENERGY STAR TVs can save up to 15% on electricity costs.
Remember the old TV/VCR cart that used to roll into your classroom? CRT units were the norm in the past, but LCD screens are replacing them because they use less than half as much electricity as a CRT screen of the same size. Flat-screen LCD TVs that use less energy are being put in many classrooms. Smart projectors that are interactive are also making their way into classrooms because technology is changing quickly. Even though the initial cost is high, schools can benefit from the flexible technology that lasts for a long time. Find out if your school is eligible for any local or state investments in technology.
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Spend money on better ways to cool down
Keeping a school cool with an industrial air conditioner (A/C) is expensive, especially in warm climates. A/C is needed because both people and electronics (like computers, printers, and copiers) give off a lot of heat. Schools can save money by upgrading to a more efficient way to cool the building. Teachers and administrators can also save power and money by doing things like using fans in the classroom and making sure windows are well-sealed to keep hot air out. Also, having windows that can be opened or that have vents helps move air around on days when the temperature drops a few degrees.
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Tell students they should recycle
Recycling is a simple way to help the environment by cutting down on the amount of trash we make. Make sure you have a place to recycle paper, plastic, and aluminum soda cans in your classroom, cafeteria, or university dorm. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) says that recycling just one can saves enough energy to power a 100-watt bulb for 3.5 hours. Set up a point system for kids who recycle, or give them extra credit projects that focus on recycling and how it affects the environment. Make it fun!
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Put lights on sensors.
Some places in a school, like the bathrooms, are only used sometimes. However, many schools leave the lights on in these rooms the whole time school is in session to keep students safe. Putting money into motion sensors can help you save money and stay safe.
These cheap units can turn lights on and off in areas that don’t get much use. When someone walks into a room, the sensor turns the lights on. If no one moves for a while, the lights turn off by themselves. Light sensors can also be helpful in classrooms, bathrooms, and dorms at a college. Even if your school can’t yet upgrade its fluorescent lighting, sensors save power and money.
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Think about making changes to the kitchen
Your school’s cafeteria kitchen could be a hidden energy drain. Using and powering older ovens, microwaves, and refrigerators costs more money. Think about ENERGY STAR models, which not only use less energy but also pay for themselves in just a few short years. When you buy ENERGY STAR appliances for your school, the EPA says you can save as much as:
Payback in less than five years and a 65% savings on warm food units.
35% on commercial refrigerators, with a return on investment in less than two years.
30% on gas ovens and 15% on electric ovens. Electric ovens pay for themselves in less than five years. Investing in better appliances, more energy-efficient lights, and lighting sensors can help you feed your students for less money overall.
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Have Class Outdoors
Get out of the classroom by going outside for class. On hot days, it can be warmer inside an older school building than it is outside. Find some shade and a new place to teach to get your students excited. Read out loud together, let students work in groups, and get away from the glow of electronics.
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Don’t open doors to different rooms.
During school hours, it’s a good idea to keep doors shut. Aside from keeping people safe, closed doors can also keep rooms and hallways between classrooms from losing heat.
When you pay to cool a classroom, you want the cool air to stay where the students are studying, not in the hallways where no one is. Keeping each room closed, even those that aren’t being used at the moment, can help save energy and send cool air only to the places that need it most.
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Think about switching your electricity provider.
Most of Texas is in a part of the country where the electricity market is no longer regulated, so residents and businesses there can now choose a retail electricity provider. When electricity is privatized, you can compare plans and find one that works best for our schools.
Schools use a lot of electricity compared to individual customers, so power companies usually want to get and keep their business. Use Texas’s deregulation to your advantage by comparing prices from many different providers. Payless Power is an electricity retailer that was started by Texans and made for Texans. Find a plan that works for your school.
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Give jobs in the classroom
By giving your students jobs, you can help them make saving energy a habit. Some examples are an electrician, who turns the lights on and off, or an IT person, who can help with computers and other electronics in the classroom. By giving students more to do in the classroom, they can take ownership of efforts to save energy and use what they have learned at home.
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Turn off the lights and screens.
Too many schools leave the lights on for a long time after class is over. Teachers can leave individual computers running overnight and on the weekend, as well as whole computer labs. Taking the time to turn off these computers every afternoon, especially on Fridays and before breaks, can help the school save a lot of money.
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Close off rooms and spaces that aren’t being used.
Make sure your gym isn’t wasting electricity if PE classes are only held on certain days or times of the day. The same is true for classrooms and auditoriums that aren’t used as often. Don’t keep rooms that aren’t being used at their most comfortable temperature. Instead, put your school’s energy efficiency first. Use timers or sensors for lights. If the room has a separate air conditioner, set the temperature higher until you need it. Close the doors to keep the air moving where it needs to be.
Everyone can help schools save energy.
School is a time when children are constantly engaged in learning and growing in so many different ways. But as students, teachers, staff, and administrators work together to navigate the educational landscape, there is also an opportunity to make a positive impact on the environment by reducing energy waste at school. By implementing simple measures such as turning off lights and other fixtures when not in use, as well as more extensive upgrades like switching to new energy-saving appliances, everyone can help save energy and ultimately improve the planet for future generations. Not only does this benefit our natural environment from a conservation perspective, but it also has economic benefits that everyone can appreciate. In short, a concerted effort by all stakeholders is essential for tackling energy waste at school and reaping the many rewards that come with it. After all, it takes a village – or rather an entire school community – to go green!
FAQs
How can I save energy as a student?
College students may save energy in several ways. First, turn off your lights when you’re not using them, whether in the library or between classes. Unplug electronics when not in use; they can drain energy even while off.
A programmable thermostat can save energy and keep your home pleasant in the winter. This allows you to lower your home’s temperature at night or while you’re away, saving electricity. Taking shorter showers and only washing full loads saves electricity and water.
Instead of using electricity or gas, use sunlight and wind to dry clothes and heat water for cooking. Meal prepping and bulk cooking can reduce wasteful food packaging and appliance use. Lastly, a slow cooker can save energy by allowing you to spend more time away from home without burning your food. College students can save energy indoors and outdoors by dialing down the thermostat or buying new appliances.
What are 10 energy-saving tips?
Sunday, March 20 is the spring equinox and end of winter. New seasons bring new opportunities to conserve energy and money.
Warmer weather brings simple ways to improve your home’s energy efficiency and comfort.
Maintain your AC. Changing or cleaning air filters can reduce your cooling system’s energy use by 15%. The first day of spring could also serve as a reminder to clean your air conditioner’s evaporator coil annually to ensure optimal performance.
Opening windows. Opening windows provides a cross-wise breeze, naturally cooling your home without AC. This is a good spring technique.
Ceiling fans. Ceiling fans can boost your thermostat by 4 degrees. This reduces energy costs without losing comfort.
Outdoor cook. On balmy spring days, use an outdoor barbecue instead of an oven.
Hang curtains. Blinds, shades, and films minimize heat gain in hot weather. These devices improve your home’s appearance and save energy.
Seal leaks. Using caulk to seal cracks and gaps in your home saves money.
Add light. During the day, use windows and skylights to illuminate your home.
Adjust the thermostat. On warm days, setting a programmable thermostat higher when you’re not home can decrease energy expenses by 10%.
Seal vents. Air leakage through ducts accounts for 30% of a cooling system’s energy use. Sealing and insulating ducts can save energy costs.
Start bathroom fans. Bathroom fans improve comfort by removing heat and humidity.
Our home cooling and landscaping infographics offer more spring energy-saving tips. Visit Energy Saver for more energy-saving tips.
What are 10 ways to save energy for kids?
Kids’ Home Energy Conservation
Shower, not bath
One bath can use 25 gallons of water. Heating bath and shower water takes energy. A shower uses 3.5 times less water than a bath, which saves energy. Showers save energy and keep you clean.
Limit electronic use
Summer is a terrific time to get kids outside and away from devices. As fall and winter approach, it may be harder to keep kids off screens. Limiting electronic use saves energy.
Less-used devices charge faster. This means electronics require less electricity. Consider a screen time rule or indoor STEM activities for the winter.
Turn off everything while leaving a room
Unused lights, TVs, laptops, and video games consume electricity. When leaving a room for more than a few minutes, youngsters should switch off all lights and electronics. This makes kids more aware of how their behaviors influence the environment and helps them conserve energy.
Close windows, blinds
During the warmer months, keep windows and blinds closed. Closed windows keep heat out and air conditioning in. Blinds may reduce the sun’s heat and keep our homes cooler.
This saves energy because the AC isn’t chilling the outside. Kids may help by checking windows in the morning and closing them during the day.
Tree-plant
Trees may give shade and cool your property. A tree’s shadow may reduce air conditioning use and save energy. This is a great family activity where youngsters may learn about tree planting’s environmental benefits.
School energy conservation
Bike/walk to school
As school starts, we should plan our commutes. Cars use a lot of gas and emit many emissions. Older pupils can walk or bike to school. This permits oil from cars to power our homes with electricity.
Use both sides of paper
Buying school supplies for back-to-school. It’s crucial to consider how daily items affect the environment. Paper production, disposal, and waste have environmental consequences. 1 kg of paper uses 324 liters of water. Instead of making paper, we may use the resources to power our homes. Students can save energy at school by using less paper on all sides.
Reuse water bottles
Reusable water bottles save energy and waste.
Oil and energy are needed to make plastic bottles. They cause huge trash. One week’s worth of plastic bottles may wrap the globe five times. This school year, choose a reusable bottle to save waste and energy use.
Recycling
Recycling saves energy and the environment. Recycling creates new items. This saves 30% more energy than starting from scratch. Schoolchildren can save energy by recycling materials.
Ask about classroom jobs
Classroom occupations give pupils ownership in school. ‘Electrician’ and ‘IT’ are wonderful energy-saving vocations. The Electrician turns on and off the lights at proper times and when the class is out. IT shuts down all computers at night to save electricity. These tasks help schoolchildren save energy. Ask your teacher how to incorporate these jobs.
Conclusion
Saving energy at school is important for both financial and environmental reasons. By encourage students and staff to change their habits and taking advantage of technology, schools can make a big impact on their energy consumption. Every little bit counts when it comes to saving energy, so start making changes today!