School Energy Audit Report

In June, the Findon Biodiversity Group conducted an all-school Energy Audit. A report was compiled by Planet Savers Australia and has been presented by the Biodiversity Group. The report found that the school emissions per student were slightly higher than the recommended levels for Primary Schools (based on State benchmarks). Major energy uses were heating / cooling, lighting during off-peak times and IT / computer needs.

The recommendations were divided into four key areas of energy consumption:

1. Lighting

• Switch off when not being used
• Label switches with signage encouraging students and staff to switch off when not is use
• Upgrade fluorescent lighting
• Replace incandescent, halogen and T8 fittings with LED 

2. Air-conditioning (heating/cooling)

• An agreed temperature set range from all staff (Recommended cooling temp 24-26 / heating 18-20 degrees)
• Install timed-control on electric Heaters and split systems
• Close evaporative vents during winter
• Solar air-conditioning
• Heat reflective paint for roof areas
• Future decisions with heating and cooling systems
• Building fabric, solar gain and heat loss

3. Appliances and hot water

• Timers for water boilers
• Timers for hot water services and water coolers
• Switch off refrigerators over school breaks
• Upgrade refrigerators to more efficient types

4. Information Technology

• Enable computer standby and hibernation
• Shut down at the wall or switchboard during school breaks holidays
• Use photocopier power save mode
• Switch off printers and copiers at the wall
• Switch off interactive whiteboards

Useful links:

www.planetsavers.com.au 
www.ceres.org.au 
www.coolaustralia.org 
www.energystar.gov.au 
www.epeat.net 
www.energyrating.gov.au 
www.greenpower.com.au

School Energy Audit

On World Environment Day (June 5th), the Findon Biodiversity Group conducted and Energy Audit with the help of Mark Smith from Planet Savers Australia.

 
-->The students visited each room in the school (even the staff room!) to assess energy use. They examined natural light readings, temperature levels, light switches, heating and cooling systems, hot water systems, vents and all appliances that run on electricity. Here is a copy of the Energy Counting sheet the students used.
A report will be compiled by Planet Savers Australia and the results will be presented by the Findon Biodiversity Group. The students hope to encourage teachers and other students to make better choices when it comes to energy and the environment.  

The leaders have decided that a 'Switch Off' campaign will make a large impact to the use of energy in their school, so they have created signs and installed them in all the classrooms. Have a look at the sign here.