Energy Efficiency and Renewables
What if ...
- every school, district and education department in the US became sustainable resource users?
- all our schools produced their own power — were lit, heated and cooled by wind and solar energy?
- schools were built with sustainable materials, were designed to be ultra resource efficient and provided healthy spaces for children to learn and teachers to teach?
While we can and must achieve this glowing vision over time, it is not today’s reality. Most US schools are not only taking a negative toll on the environment, but they’re also spending way too much money on energy—funds that could be used to pay teachers and buy books.
Take a step in the right direction -- read on to learn about accessible ways your school can save energy.
Energize For the Prize!
Energy Upgrade California just launched a new fundraiser for schools: When you sign up for a money-saving home energy upgrade, Energy Upgrade California will award the Alameda County school of your choice $100 - just for you participating in the program! Plus, the school that signs up the most households between now and April will earn an additional $5,000.
Saving Big with "Solar Master Plans"
As it gets chillier and darker, who couldn't use a little more solar power? This month, KyotoUSA unveiled Solar Master Plans -- comprehensive assessment and planning tools to make schools energy independent -- for three California school districts. The energy savings will free up funds to improve the educational environment in myriad ways. And students will learn valuable lessons about solar power and renewable energy.
Schools and Districts: Join the State Electronics Challenge!
November 3rd, 2011
November 3rd, 2011
Looking to reduce costs, decrease energy usage, lower greenhouse gas emissions, reduce solid waste and hazardous waste, and avoid the use of toxic materials, including lead and mercury? Become a State Electronics Challenge Partner to purchase greener electronic products and manage and dispose of them with a clear conscience. It's easy and it's free.
The NEED Project: Energy Education Resources
The NEED Project began in the 1970s as a one-day celebration of energy education: National Energy Education Day. Growing from a one day celebration with a few NEED activities -- like the ever-popular and newly-updated Energy Carnival -- NEED designs and delivers annually updated curriculum and support for virtually any classroom and at any grade level.
PEAK Energy Education Program
The Energy Coalition’s PEAK program is a free, comprehensive standards-based educational program designed to empower elementary and middle school students with the knowledge to manage energy use in their homes, schools and communities. Through hands-on learning, students are inspired to take action to create a more sustainable world and to educate others about how to use energy wisely.
Use Energy Star's Computer Power Management (CPM)
To free up hundreds or even thousands of dollars with little or no upfront costs, activate computer power management features on all PCs and laptops within your district’s network. Activating power management on a computer and monitor can save your school district $60 – $100 per computer per year, which can add up to serious savings. And by saving energy, you're preventing air pollution and helping the environment.
UPDATE: California Schools Chief Leads Drive for Energy Efficiency in Schools
California's State Superintendent Tom Torlakson wants to ensure that school construction projects incorporate energy efficiency and renewable power, so he's creating a "Schools of the Future" team to make it easier for schools to build energy efficiency into every project.
High Tech, Big Impact: Energy Efficiency Tools for Schools
The huge majority of the nation's over 130,000 schools are significant energy consumers and contributors to greenhouse gas emissions and global warming. Schools can lead the way in energy efficiency and sustainable resource use by taking advantage of high-tech 21st Century tools to drastically reduce energy use.
"Energy Efficient Schools Initiative" Launched
By engaging students in hands-on STEM projects, the Energy Efficient Schools Initiative plans to introduce its green experiential education model in 500 schools by the end of 2012.
Update: Solar Powered Schools
Creative financing options allow schools to produce electricity, save money, reduce greenhouse gases and provide a valuable learning opportunity for students and adults alike.
Safe Routes to School
Get kids walking and bicycling to school to promote exercise, reduce air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions, and save gas and money - all while having fun!
Energy Efficiency Dashboard Wins Award
For the 2nd year in a row, QA Graphics’ Energy Efficiency Education Dashboard was named the best Energy Conservation product by Environmental Design + Construction and Sustainable Facility magazines’ annual Readers Choice Awards.
Beyond the Bake Sale...New Solar Fundraising for Schools
Sungevity, a Diamond-certified solar installer based in Oakland, California, is partnering with public and independent schools in California, Arizona and Colorado to raise money for schools while helping school communities go solar.
Energy Conservation Checklists & Tools
Use these checklists, audit tools, lesson plans, action project ideas, and resources to save energy and track progress at your school. Part of the Green Star Schools recognition program.