Energy and water
By 2020 the government would like all schools to have minimised their carbon emissions by becoming exemplars of energy efficiency and renewable energy, showcasing wind, solar, bio-fuel and other appropriate energy sources in their communities. Furthermore, we would like all schools to have minimised their use of freshwater by becoming exemplars of sustainable water management, showcasing freshwater conservation, rainwater use, and other water conservation measures in their communities.
The rising demands for energy and water across the planet is storing up problems for future generations. Increased energy use creates green house gas emissions and climate change. Increased use of water is threatening the world’s underground aquifers, contributing to water scarcity in many parts of the world. For this reason, energy and water conservation are two essential areas for schools to tackle.
Eco-efficiency measures can help schools to reduce their need for energy and water, as well as reducing their environmental impact. A recent analysis suggested that the 25% least energy-efficient schools use more than three times as much energy per pupil as the 25% most energy efficient schools, and that is within the same category of building.
Reducing the amount of energy and water a school uses can result in real cost savings. A carefully managed school may consume only half the amount of water a poorly managed school consumes.
Curriculum
Schools can use the curriculum to cultivate the knowledge, values and skills needed to address energy and water stewardship – at the local and global scales – in school and in life.
Campus
Schools can review their use of energy and water and establish policies for monitoring and reducing their use through good management and the deployment of appropriate technologies.
Community
Schools can use their communications, services, contracts and partnerships to promote awareness of sustainable energy and water use among their stakeholders.
