Rationale
A school building is more than just a set of classrooms and offices; it
is a living structure. Energy flows through a school building just like
any living thing. School buildings are an excellent resource for
students to explore when learning about energy. In addition to being an
ideal teaching resource, reducing a school’s energy costs by saving
energy means more funds may be available for personnel, supplies and
resources. To utilize a school building to its fullest potential, a
connection should be made between the building’s energy management
practices and the school curriculum. A School Energy Policy and
Education Plan is the tool to make these connections.
It gives a school community a great opportunity to rally behind something
that has significant educational, environmental and economic benefits.
It is also provides an opportunity for educators to work collaboratively
with operations/facilities staff in facilitating a major cultural
change in the school community.
Tom Wohlleber
Assistant Superintendent - Business Services
Middleton-Cross Plains Area School District
With the increase in use of technology in homes and schools, there is a need
for all community members (children and adults) to be aware of how much
energy is needed to meet our current habits, and learn ways of how to
be responsible in how we demand and use energy from our providers. The
energy needs of our community, country and planet are not going away. To
think ahead and prepare our students for their future and not our past
needs to be a priority in our schools.
Kim Lemberger
Lineville Intermediate School
Howard-Suamico School District
I think all schools and personnel should have to think about their energy
usage and develop plans to responsibly use the limited resources we have. I think we owe it to the public to manage our money well. In
addition, our students need to understand energy concepts and be
prepared to deal with the limitations that energy and energy use will
impose upon their lives. I want responsible and educated kids to be making
decisions about energy policy when we vote them into office at a later date!
Heather Messer
Clark Street Community School
Middleton-Cross Plains Area School District