School Energy Policy and Education Plans

The Wisconsin K-12 Energy Education Program (KEEP) created a School Energy Policy and Education Plan template to help school communities develop an energy plan that addresses not only energy management policies, but also incorporates energy education into the curriculum school-wide.

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

Planning Documents

Many school communities in Wisconsin have adopted energy management policies that improve a school’s operational productivity and reduce costs. A School Energy Policy articulates a school’s commitment to energy conservation and efficiency by defining energy management practices for school energy systems such as lighting, temperature control, and personal appliances. One step further, a School Energy Education Plan outlines how energy education will be integrated into each grade level or class and how the school building will be used as a teaching resource. Existing energy management policies and education plans should be incorporated when updating or developing new policy.

Template

The School Energy Policy and Education Plan Template was developed in collaboration with energy professionals and educators from across the state; initially coordinated in 2009 with assistance from Focus on Energy.

         School Energy Policy and Education Plan Template

Sample Policies

From 2009-2012, KEEP and WEEB awarded $26,015 to six school districts to develop or revise School Energy Policy and Education Plans.