As school budgets continue to tighten, finding ways to reduce operational costs is crucial. What’s one of the most impactful areas to target? Energy consumption. By encouraging and implementing a few simple energy-saving habits, international schools can significantly lower their environmental impact and utility bills – a win-win all round. Here are some tips to get you started.

1. Turn it off

The easiest energy-saving step is to make sure all lights and electronics are turned off when not in use. Put up helpful reminders, like posters, around the school to nudge students and staff to make this a routine practice. Timer-activated lights are also a great tool for ensuring lights turn off automatically once a room is unoccupied.

2. Make use of natural light

Take advantage of natural daylight to illuminate your building. Open blinds and curtains during the day to reduce reliance on artificial lighting. Just be sure to close them at night to retain heat in the winter and block out heat in the summer.

3. Optimise your settings

Adjust your thermostat settings to align with occupancy. In unoccupied areas, set the temperature a few degrees higher in the summer and lower in the winter. In occupied spaces, aim for energy-efficient temperatures around 20-22°C/68-72°F. You may also consider installing smart thermostats to automate these temperature changes based on schedules and occupancy.

4. Upgrade to LED Lighting

Replace old, inefficient light bulbs with LED alternatives. LEDs use up to 80% less energy and last 25-50 times longer than traditional bulbs. The upfront cost is higher, but the long-term savings will make it a worthwhile investment.

5. Conduct regular audits

Perform periodic energy audits to identify areas for improvement. This may include sealing

draughts, insulating hot water pipes, or updating ageing HVAC systems. The insights gained from these audits can guide your conservation efforts. 

Simple energy-saving strategies like these can have a significant impact on your school's utility bills and carbon footprint. Interested in making sustainable improvements to your school? Check out the comprehensive sustainability audit by Green Standard Schools and you could be on your way to earning a green badge!

Written by Stephanie Clark