Worth the investment?

Many people are hesitant to move forward with energy saving measures, being unsure of the cost, effort and inconvenience. Most steps are relatively easy and inexpensive – and can make a big difference to the bottom line. Schools, in particular, must consider already strapped budgets and any unrealistic accommodations students or teachers would have to make while certain larger efforts are installed.

While seemingly a larger undertaking given the size and footprint of most school buildings, the return on investment is worth the effort. Incentives may be available to help subsidize the cost of certain energy-saving measures. And the simple, day-to-day steps like turning off lights and computers and using window shades to make heating and cooling more efficient, require no cost at all. What’s more, they provide great opportunity for lessons in responsibility, science and budgeting for students of all ages.

After personnel, energy costs are a school district’s second highest expenditure, according to the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE). Regardless of how old a school building is, DOE estimates that schools can cut their energy expenses by 5 to 20 percent by simply managing and operating more efficiently.

To learn more about making your school more energy efficient, check out Reduce Operating Costs with an EnergySmart School Project.