Energy Conservation Tips at School
Energy conservation is as important for schools to practice as it as for people in their homes and offices. Because students, teachers and faculty aren't directly paying the school's energy bills, they may feel a sense of detachment from the importance of conservation at school. Taxpayer dollars used to operate schools, however, can be saved by reducing energy consumption in schools. These conservation tips can apply at school, at home or at the workplace.
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Turn off the Lights
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One of the biggest ways that schools use energy is through their lighting. Regularly turning off the lights not only saves the school district money on the campus electricity bill, but it reduces the amount of energy the school consumes from the local electricity grid. Schools should install "occupancy sensors" in classrooms, which regulate individual lighting systems. These sensors detect when someone is in the room and turns the lights on. After a designated time of inactivity, however, the lights will automatically shut off.
Change Thermostat Settings
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Heating and cooling systems are also a large energy consumer for schools. To reduce energy use, schools should set thermostats to recommended temperatures. Set them to 78 degrees during warm months, and 68 degrees during cooler months. These temperatures will keep your classrooms at comfortable conditions while reducing the need for heavy heating or cooling. If individual classrooms need to vary from recommended settings, you can change the thermostat or have the school maintenance people change it if they control the school heating and cooling system.
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Stop Drips and Close Doors
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Whether you have a hot water or cold water faucet drip, always repair it right away. Hot water takes energy to heat, and fixing such a drip saves water and reduces energy consumption. Cold water drips use energy as well because it is sanitized and streams through the school's pipes. Propping open doors also wastes energy, although it makes your classroom inviting. Be sure to let your door close completely when people enter and leave your room. This is especially important if you have an air conditioner or heater running.
Reuse and Recycle
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Although recycling and reuse programs have become more mainstream, teachers and students must ensure that they are actively involved in these efforts. Participating in a reuse and recycling program saves energy on campus and at the locations where the materials are produced. Recycling saves money as well. Faculty and students can recycle aluminum cans, cardboard, plastic bottles and paper, among other material.
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References
Resources
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