Energy
About energy
Energy is an area that many schools are beginning to consider because of the significant opportunity through the National Solar Schools Program (NSSP). The NSSP offers schools grants of up to $50,000 to install solar or other renewable power systems, solar hot water systems, rainwater tanks and a range of energy efficiency measures. The Australian Government is backing schools in their fight against climate change. The NSSP is giving schools a head start in tackling climate change and conserving our precious water supplies.
Carbon Kids is a new program being trialled by the CSIRO to develop students understandings around climate change, energy usage and carbon footprints. There are some excellent Australian resources available on this site.
Ways Tasmanian schools are working with energy
Students at the King Island District High School underwent a 9 month long process of workshops and audits. They established the Green Team, a group of 20 students who are responsible for ensuring that lights are switched off and that heaters are either off or set at 18 degrees C. The project team estimates that they can save 9.5% of the school's energy costs through these actions alone. The school is also planning to install a 4kW wind/solar grid connection system to save another 4%.
Links to useful resources about energy
Hands on Energy Centre Tasmania