Ideas for saving energy for Schools

Imagine the energy we could save in New Zealand if every school made some simple changes in their energy use. Here are some easy ways to conserve energy in your school:

• Replace incandescent lightbulbs with CFL bulbs (compact fluorescent bulbs). These will not only last for years, but will use less energy and reduce the number of lightbulbs going to landfill, ultimately saving school money.
• Encourage students and staff to turn off lights when they leave the room.
• Turn the temperature down on hot water cylinders if possible. The ideal temperature is 60°C. Any hotter is wasted energy and money.
• Keep heat in classrooms in winter by using thermal-backed curtains and keeping doors and windows closed.
• Utilise the natural heat and light from the sun to keep classrooms warm and light.
• Likewise, use open windows and doors instead of air conditioning to cool classrooms down.
• Turn hot water cylinders off on school holidays.
•  Watch out for standby power. This is the energy used when appliances are drawing power but not in use. Key culprits will be computers, printers, faxes, TVs, DVD players, stereos, office appliances and dishwashers. These should all be turned off at the wall or unplugged when not in use.
• Invest in appliances with good energy ratings.