Energy efficiency in schools

This website examines energy efficiency practices, often building them into the curriculum, and they have exciting success stories to tell. Some of these stories are outlined in the Energy-efficient Schools guide, which is now online at www.neri.org.nz/education/energy_efficient_schools.The Energy-efficient Schools guide is a collaborative venture, initially produced by the National Energy Research Institute (NERI) in partnership with The Enviroschools Foundation, the Energy Efficiency Conservation Authority (EECA), and supported by the Ministry of Education for this web development.In addition, an advisory panel of energy and education experts contributed their expertise. The result is detailed, up-to-date information on efficient technologies in lighting, heating, equipment, hot water, and transport in schools. Based on this information, downloadable audit and planning templates are provided. Coming soon are interactive tools for inputting energy data and obtaining data for comparison and monitoring.The guide explores the impressive energyefficiency efforts of two large secondary schools and two small primary schools, from Auckland to Southland. It then details how all schools can take action. Taking action is not simply a technical matter, but first involves changing behaviours. For example, an audit conducted during the holidays by students at Northcote College found 289 items left on unnecessarily. This finding led to animportant change of focus, which the Northcote case study details. At Wallacetown Primary, an energy audit led to improved classroom lighting and

heating, and a longer swimming season, yet the school’s overall energy use dropped. The Wallacetown case study explains how they achieved this happy outcome.

Submitted by Roger Waddell.