pupil led electricity monitoring
DESCRIPTION
Pupils from more than 30 schools in Bath and North East Somerset have been taking an active role in making their schools more energy efficient, saving costs and reducing their carbon footprint.TRANSCRIPT
�Summary
Pupils from more than 30 schools in Bath and North East Somerset have been taking an active role in making their schools more energy efficient, saving costs and reducing their carbon footprint. The hands-on electricity monitoring project, called Energy Futures, helps pupils understand how important it is to save electricity in terms of cost and reduced CO² emissions and how taking action themselves can really make a difference.
�What the project involves Children monitor and record the school’s electricity use to establish a baseline. Then, led by the pupils, the whole school is involved in an energy saving campaign. Each school creates its own awareness raising campaign. Some schools have also encouraged children to take the energy saving message home to families, which means the energy saving message is spreading even further! Creative examples of how pupils have promoted their energy saving message include: • Eco-assemblies• Designing stickers and posters • Writing comic strips• Songs and raps Schools are loaned a project pack including an electricity monitor that displays real-time electricity consumption. The display unit is placed in a classroom or reception area so everyone can follow progress. The project pack also includes support materials and training on performing an energy survey and creating an energy action plan. The Energy Futures electricity monitoring project has been developed by the Resource Futures Education team, who run the project on behalf of the Council.
Pupil led electricity monitoring �Outcomes
• Electricity costs and CO² savings of between 5-10% per year (so long as the campaign is maintained) • The energy saving message is taken home to the family and wider community • Pupils develop key skills such as team working, problem solving and decision making • Curriculum links and enrichment in Science, Geography, Maths, ICT, English, History and PSHE & citizenship As well saving the schools money on their electricity bills, this project also helps them achieve Eco-Schools awards (an international award programme). The process of achieving the awards – Bronze, Silver and Green Flag – is all about embedding sustainability principles into the heart of school life. More than 75% of schools in Bath & North East Somerset Council are now registered and we are aiming for 100% in the next year or two.
�Next Steps?
The energy monitoring project is now in its 3rd phase with some schools purchasing equipment so that they can continue their monitoring. Schools are key community hubs and children are inspiring communicators and motivators. Future community energy efficiency projects will look to build on the success of this project and harness this energy! For more information contact: Helen Peake Education Officer, Resource Futures Email: [email protected] or Bath & North East Somerset Sustainability Team Email: [email protected]
Embedding environmental sustainability Making Bath & North East Somerset an even better place to live, work and visit