Re-Power Your School; Empower Your Students
Educators can have influence beyond the classroom as catalysts for the transition to clean energy in their schools and districts.
By Lisa Hoyos and Tish Tablan
and transition to renewable energy sources. By re-powering our schools with clean energy, schools can lead by example in sustaining the planet for the next generation and inspire local families, businesses, and government offices to do the same. Teachers on the front lines of environmental education
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have the knowledge and influence to support their local schools’ switch to clean energy. See what educators across the U.S. are doing to make this happen and what tools are available for you to help your students and community realize a brighter and healthier future!
School and community benefits There are many near-term and long-lasting benefits to re-powering our schools. We can make schools hands-on learning labs that generate clean energy, while providing cost savings, educational opportunities, local jobs, and a healthier environment for families.
Educational benefits • Having energy projects like solar installations on cam- puses provides hands-on STEM learning opportunities. In addition, involving students in advocacy for clean energy
OU CAN BE PART OF the wave sweeping the con- tinent of schools and districts stepping up to help address climate change by resolving to cut pollution
provides opportunities to build civic engagement and leadership skills.
Environment and health benefits • Clean energy provides healthier environments for kids, both inside and outside the classroom. If all U.S. schools were completely powered by clean energy, greenhouse gas pollution would be reduced as much as closing 18 coal- fired power plants.1
• Improving air quality protects the health of our children, who are the most vulnerable to air pollution, and helps lower the 13 million missed days of school per year in this country due to asthma.2
Financial benefits • In the United States alone, K–12 schools spend $8 billion a year on energy, a cost burden that is second only to per- sonnel.3
ing to clean energy saves school districts money that can be reinvested back into our classrooms.
• Solar energy is now cheaper than ever. The cost of solar panels has dropped to one-third of what it was 10 years ago.4
• About half of all energy used in schools is dedicated to heating and cooling, and switching to geothermal heat pumps can generate long-lasting savings.5
Green Teacher 119 Page 3
Adopting energy efficiency measures and switch-
Photo credit: VMDO Architects
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