Division of Support Operations
Energy and Water Conservation
What can schools do to save energy?
Efficient energy use and energy conservation is EVERYONE'S responsibility. We are all users of electricity, so we all have to savers of electricity, too!
As occupants of District facilities, we are expected to do what we can to make sure that energy resources are used wisely. That means turning off the lights, shutting down computers (CPUs and monitors!), projectors, and other equipment when they are not in use, and using natural daylight whenever feasible.
Here are the Top 10 things schools can do to save energy:
- Turn off the lights when you leave a space - this applies to any area, at any time, even if it's just for a few moments. Lights should never be left on in an unoccupied space.
- Be aware of lights in closets, storage rooms, rest rooms, mechanical rooms, and other areas that are not highly occupied and make sure that they are not left on when not in use.
- Be sure that all doors and windows are closed with the air conditioning (or heating) systems are engaged.
- Ensure that doors that adjoin conditioned and non-conditioned spaces remain closed at all times.
- Ensure that gym and athletic field lights are not on unless the area is being actively utilized.
- When custodians are working in the evenings, light and equipment should only be on in the areas in which they are working.
- At the end of the work day, turn off printers, copiers, and other ancillary equipment - even when not in use, they are drawing electricity.
- Make sure that all toilets stop running shortly after they are flushed. If water continues to flow, submit a work order to have it repaired.
- Check all faucets and make sure they don't continue to drip when they are turned off. If they do continue to drip, submit a work order to have them repaired.
- Teach energy conservation lessons in the classroom, develop a school energy plan, publicize energy savings and conservation efforts, reward student and staff participation, and form an energy patrol made up of teachers and students trained to look for more conservation opportunities!
What can schools do to save water?
Schools use a tremendous amount of water everyday, and require water for their heating and cooling systems, restrooms, drinking water faucets, locker rooms, cafeteria, laboratories, and outdoor playing fields and lawns. Water conservation is KEY to conserving precious natural resources, as well as to keeping utility costs to a minimum.
Here are the top 10 things schools can do to enhance their water conservation:
- Increase employee, faculty, and student awareness of water conservation.
- Conduct contests for employees and students (e.g., posters, slogans, or conservation ideas). Locate suggestion boxes in prominent areas.
- Install signs in all restrooms encouraging water conservation.
- Use "dry" methods of cleaning wherever possible (e.g., use a broom to clean walkways instead of hosing them off).
- Create a team of staff and students to monitor water use and waste.
- Report dripping faucets, showers and continuously running or leaking toilets.
- As appliances or fixtures wear out, replace them with water-saving models.
- Turn off the continuous flow used to clean the drain trays of the coffee/milk/soda beverage island; clean the trays only as needed.
- Turn dishwasher off when not in use and wash full loads only.
- Use water-conserving ice-makers.