Schools

Th is booklet outlines why and how schools can reduce energy use and cost. Why schools are considering energy efficiency is summarised in the introduction; how they are going about it is detailed in four case studies.

There are three planning templates and a schedule to assist schools. Those schools that have built energy efficiency into the curriculum have been especially successful in making change to their energy-use practices.

Lighting is one of the most intensive uses of energy in schools, typically making up around 30% of a school's electricity use (and up to 80% if electricity is not the main heating source). One of the cheapest ways to reduce energy use is to encourage staff and students to switch off.

Download this action sheet for more information.

Setting up a renewable energy generation project can benefit your school in a number of ways.

Seeing solar panels, wind turbines or micro-hydro turbines in action gives students firsthand knowledge of how natural resources can be harnessed to help power their school. Energy outputs and performance can be measured and analysed over time to show, for example, how weather affects the amount of energy generated. In this way, learning opportunities are created across a range of curriculum areas and students develop an
appreciation of the real value of energy.

For students to be at their best, it's important that learning environments are a comfortable temperature with adequate ventilation. Ministry of Education guidelines suggest 18 - 20 °C is the optimum range for student comfort (depending on activity levels).

Download this action sheet for more information.