In the face of global warming and rising energy costs, schools are caught in a challenging balancing act—the need to maintain comfortable learning environments coupled with environmental responsibility and financial constraints. Luckily, there are practical steps schools can take to reduce energy consumption and minimise their carbon footprint.
So what can schools do to reduce emissions and lower their energy bills? Here are a few tips that won’t cost much, if anything.
Encourage staff and students to dress appropriately for indoor temperatures by layering clothing. You could also invest in some low-cost blankets to make students feel more comfortable in class when the weather is cold. These practices will allow for lower overall heating requirements.
Here are some other tips that cost money, but will be well worth it in the long run.
If your building is of a certain age, there are almost bound to be cracks that allow both warm and cool air to escape. To help with this:
If you don’t have it already, consider double glazing in frequently used rooms. Install insulating window film to:
Curtains and blinds can also be used as additional temperature control.
Energy efficiency is not only a cost-saving measure—it’s a commitment to sustainable education. These strategies can enable schools to reduce carbon emissions, lower operational costs and set an example for students about responsible energy use.
Written by Stephanie Clark
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