Energy Efficiency in Schools
There are more than 9,600 primary and secondary schools across regional and metropolitan Australia. These schools operate with varying class sizes and in places with differing environments and temperatures.
Many Australian schools are also encouraging more technology-based learning, with the humble chalk blackboard now replaced with high-tech smart boards and laptops and iPads commonly helping students research their latest assignment online.
The education sector uses vast amounts of energy each year, with much of their usage occurring throughout the day. Research has revealed that on average, a school can use around 3800 kWh of electricity per year.
By taking action today, schools can become Australia’s energy role models of tomorrow.
Heating and cooling: Regular maintenance of air conditioning systems, including cleaning of fans and filters, can help to ensure that the system is operating efficiently. Energy savings can also result from setting thermostats to comfortable settings (20oC in winter and 24oC in summer) for specific spaces/rooms within the school. With heaters and air conditioners accounting for half the electricity costs in a school, using fans and curtains/blinds to cool down classrooms instead of turning on the air conditioning could be another way to reduce energy bills and usage.
Energy efficient appliances: Some Australian schools, particularly secondary schools, have commercial kitchen facilities, sewing rooms and design and technology rooms for student learning. As appliances and equipment need replacement, opting for appliances with a high energy efficiency star rating can save energy in the long term.
Lighting: Lighting supports comfortable learning environments, however with lights accounting for around a quarter of the energy in a school2, turning lights off in rooms that are not in use could result in significant energy savings.
Retail energy deals: Schools use a majority of their energy during the day, making them ideally suited to work with an energy retailer to develop a tailored plan that addresses high daytime energy demand. Nectr has a team of experts available to discuss options.
Energy saving habits: A small change, can make a big impact. Changing simple habits such as switching off computer monitors or smart boards when not in use can help reduce a school’s overall energy costs per year.
Embracing renewable energy: As more schools transition to renewable energy and install solar panels and batteries for energy storage, schools can manage energy usage while also benefiting from lower energy bills.
Role models: Today’s school students are the thought leaders and environmental champions of tomorrow. With small but important energy habits being formed in the classroom, students can be the advocates of energy change in the future. With exposure to the benefits of energy-saving strategies, renewable energy benefits and open discussion about Australia’s energy future, students can role model best energy practices within their community and friends.
Find out more about tailored energy plans for schools by speaking with one of Nectr’s C&I experts.
