Schools Could Save up to $33,690 Every Year by Reducing Energy Use

According to London-based Carbon Trust, schools can save energy through a number of small actions — from simple behavioral changes like turning off computers at the end of the school day to small retrofits like installing automatic faucets. 

Here are six proven energy saving tips for schools and educational facilities.

1. Switch computers off. 

Turning computers off at the end of the day can save up to $55 per computer every year. That’s enough savings to make 30 teachers six cups of coffee every day. 

2. Ensure roofs are properly insulated. 

A typical building loses 22% of heat through its roof. That heat loss can be reduced or avoided by properly insulating the roof. 

3. Open the blinds. 

Opening classroom window blinds and letting in more daylight can cut lighting bills by 19 percent. 

4. Install automatic taps. 

By fitting percussion taps — or taps that turn off automatically — schools can save significant amount of energy and conserve water. 

5. Don’t overheat. 

For every two degrees of overheating, fuel consumption increases by 8-10 percent. By setting thermostats more wisely — about 65 degrees for classrooms, common spaces, and cafeterias — schools can save significant money and energy. 

6. Turn off the vending machine. 

Switching off the school vending machines during nights and weekends reduces the machines’ energy costs by up to 70 percent. That’s the energy equivalent of printing 7.25 million letter-sized pages of paper.

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Author's Note: all estimates and calculations are based on a 2012 report by the Carbon Trust titled "Schools: learning to improve energy efficiency."