School Emissions vs Students’ Futures

Written By Green Schools Alliance

In the U.S. alone, schools emit emissions equivalent to the output of 18 coal plants. (Photo by Marcin Jozwiak on Unsplash)

 

By switching to renewable sources of energy such as solar or wind power, schools not only reduce their environmental footprint; the reduce their operational costs!

Renewables give students a chance to learn about the green workforce.

GSA student intern Michelle Lee shares her concerns about school emissions, and inspiring stories from schools leading the change for a more sustainable future.

Schools represent a significant portion of energy consumption within the public sector. According to the US Department of Energy, “schools annually spend $8 billion on energy, and emit an estimated 72 million metric tons of carbon dioxide–equivalent to the output of 18 coal plants, or more than 8 million homes.”

But why does this matter?

Carbon dioxide is a powerful greenhouse gas that traps heat in the Earth’s atmosphere through the greenhouse effect. You can think of the greenhouse effect like a cozy blanket on a cold winter’s night. Just as a blanket traps your body heat and keeps you warm by preventing it from escaping into the cold air, the greenhouse gases trap the sun’s heat, keeping it in our atmosphere. This trapped heat helps our planet to maintain a stable and habitable temperature, but when there are too many greenhouse gases, it’s like piling on too many blankets, causing the temperature to rise to uncomfortable and harmful levels. According to the World Meteorological Organization, the past eight years have been the hottest years ever recorded. The knock on effect is more severe natural disasters like flooding, fires, and droughts, which affects worldwide food, energy and water security.

Schools have a role to play.

Schools have a significant environmental footprint. Therefore, it is crucial that schools take steps to become more sustainable.

A great way for schools to cut down on their energy usage is through renewable energy. This not only helps to lower greenhouse gas emissions, but it also lowers costs. The Batesville School District implemented renewable energy by installing 1,483 solar panels, which “generate about half of the district’s electricity needs and provide a savings of nearly $100,000 per year.” This school district was able to reduce its energy consumption by 1.6 million kWH per year and bring its budget from a $250,000 deficit to a $1.8 million surplus in just three years.

The Portland Public School District is also taking measures to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions. They plan to transition their vehicles to electric or low emission/renewable fuels, along with encouraging staff and students to walk, bike, or take the bus to school to reduce the emissions of single-occupant cars. They are also prohibiting the use of gas-fired equipment in the new buildings, and eventually, all of the buildings, while maximizing the use of renewable energy sources. This school district is implementing these new policies with the goal to reach net zero emissions by 2040.

Both the Batesville School District and the Portland Public School District are great examples of how schools can work to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions. It is imperative that schools take action to reduce their energy consumption before it is too late.

Schools can find solutions.

  • The GSA Community includes a peer-to-peer network of school sustainability champions, and a resource library with how-to guides, action-driven resources and ideas to help schools make progress across START’s Whole School Sustainability metrics — which includes Greenhouse Gas Reduction, and Renewable Energy. The Community is totally free to join for any school member. Join here.

  • START: Sustainability Tracking, Analytics & Roadmap Tool can help schools track and reduce their greenhouse gas emissions, amongst 52 other sustainability actions.

Sources:

Green Schools Alliance

Created by schools, for schools, the Green Schools Alliance connects and empowers K-12 schools to lead the transition to a regenerative and climate-resilient future through impact-driven programs and resources.

https://www.greenschoolsalliance.org
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