Saving energy in schools requires the cooperation of school administrators, teachers, facility staff and students. Saving energy saves money, improves school comfort and engages students in hands-on activities.

1. Turn off lights when not in use—lighting accounts for nearly 50% of the electric bill in most schools: form a student energy patrol to ensure lights are out when rooms are empty (check classrooms, the cafeteria, the auditorium, etc).
2. Where classrooms or other areas are uncomfortably cold or drafty, find out why and fix the problem. Custodians, teachers, and students should work together to increase building comfort.
3. Stop leaks! Have students determine areas of energy loss by using "draftmeters" made from plastic wrap and pencils to study where drafts are coming in.
4. If your school computers have power-management features, make sure controls are set so they will go into the "sleep" mode when not in active use.
5. Is your school purchasing new equipment? Save 50% on energy costs by using Energy Star computers, monitors, printers, fax machines, copiers and other equipment.
6. More...

• Energy Improvement Loan Program
• Self Assesment Guide

• Energy Star for K-12 Schools
• Energy Star Buildings

• Alliance to Save Energy: Educators
• Bright Schools Program (California Energy Commission)
• Energy Education Resources: K-12
• Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (U.S. Department of Energy)
• Energy Efficient Schools Program (Consortium for Energy Efficiency)
• Green Schools (Alliance to Save Energy)
• National Energy Education Development (NEED)
• National Energy Foundation