Escalating energy costs and an increased awareness of how our actions impact the environment are forcing our nation's schools to explore energy efficient technologies and practices. As these energy costs increase, schools then become more costly to operate and maintain, resulting in less funding available for academics.

According to the ENERGY STAR program:

the annual energy bill for America's primary and secondary schools is $6 billion--more than is spent on textbooks and computers combined...the least efficient schools use three times more energy than the best energy performers.

There are many ways to reduce the energy costs of existing buildings. Some, such as caulking around windows, are simple and can be easily implemented without capital costs. Others, such as retrofitting lighting, can have upfront capital costs. Both simple and more complex energy efficiency projects also exist for new construction. Daylighting and passive solar heating are uncomplicated, but using solar PV panels requires upfront capital costs for PV installation.

Tips for reducing energy use

• Assess the energy consumption of the building using an energy analysis tool, such as the ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager
• Identify staff and financial resources for developing an energy program and associated modifications and replacements
• Educate decision makers in the school and community about the need to reduce energy consumption and about the available options
• Create an energy efficient operations and management program
• Establish a school-wide or district-wide energy policy
• Determine what alternative energy resources are available locally
• Conduct equipment inventories
• Conduct energy audits for lighting
• Evaluate insulation and energy leaks around windows, doors, and vents
• Implement small, low cost and rapid payback energy-conservation strategies such as turning off computers and office equipment, placing timers on equipment, and installing sensors on lights in rooms rarely used.
• Educate energy consumers with curricula and usage-based management.

Reasons to focus on energy efficiency

• Students, teachers, staff, and administrators will become more aware of their personal behaviors regarding energy consumption,
• Energy efficiency saves money, which can be redirected to academic needs,
• Schools will be encouraged to use alternative resources for energy,
• Classroom learning environments will become more comfortable,
• It provides a community model for sustainable practices, and
• The energy efficiency message from school will inspire conservation strategies at home.

Project planning

There are many variables to consider when planning an energy efficiency project. Initial cost is usually the determining factor. Other considerations include: climate; location, building configuration, size and placement; whether the project involves new construction; and, creating a healthy and safe learning environment.

Schools are responsible for maintaining a safe and healthy learning environment, and for keeping students and staff comfortable. The quality of the student learning environment affects measurable academic outcomes. Incorporating energy efficiency into building upgrades or new construction will positively impact the learning environment.

This topic hub addresses reasons to make schools energy efficient, barriers to doing so, techniques for improving energy efficiency, and links to energy efficiency resources.