Energy
Both the source and the quantity of energy used relate to sustainability. Schools use energy to:
- Heat, cool and light buildings
- Power plug-in equipment
- Operate kitchens
- Heat water
- Run school buses, maintenance and other vehicles, as well as staff airline travel
- And more.
They also indirectly cause energy use via student commuting, pumping for water services, production and transportation of purchased goods, and more.
Information relating to Energy can also be found on these Topic Resource pages:
- Buildings
- Climate Change
- Resource Management – Multiple Resources
- Transportation (vehicle energy use)
Energy – Facilities
BetterBricks
Schools Program from BetterBricks, a program of the Northwest Energy Efficiency Alliance.
Case Study: EPA Energy Star Leader Award
Gresham-Barlow School District, Oregon
Energy Star for K-12 School Districts
Energy Star website for K-12 schools
Energy Trust of Oregon, Inc.
A public-purpose organization involved with energy efficiency, enewable energy generation and Oregon tax credits.
Oregon Department of Energy
Partnership for Resource-Efficient Schools: Best Management Practices Handbook
City of Seattle and Seattle Public Schools, September 1997. Detailed information on building envelopes, HVAC systems, lighting, and orientation design measures for energy conservation in schools. Contact Thor Peterson for a copy: 206-615-0731.
School Operations and Maintenance: Best Practices for Controlling Energy Costs
Guidebook
from Princeton Energy Resources International, 2004, 132-pages
Energy – Schools Level (Teacher Resources / Energy Reduction via Behavior)
Alliance to Save Energy
Case Study: "Watt Watchers" program
Salem-Keizer School District, Oregon
NEED Project
National Energy Education Development Project
Oregon Department of Energy
SEEDS Program, from Canada Energy
Sustainability, and environmental resources for educators - specific to Canada.
Also visit Energy – Facilities Focus and Renewable Energy links
Energy Suppliers
Bonneville Power Administration (BPA)
The BPA provides and transmits power in the Pacific Northwest, promotes energy efficiency. Their website includes a schools resources page, and much more information.
Pacific Power
Portland General Electric
Power company serving northwest Oregon
Organizations
Oregon Association of Professional Energy Managers
Renewable Energy
Foundation for Environmental Education
Fuels for Schools and Beyond
Regional program to promote use of wood biomass fuels.
Solar 4R Schools
Program from Bonneville Environmental Foundation. Tools and resources for teachers and students.