How To Reduce The Carbon Footprint Of Your School
Julie Starr • June 6, 2022
Education is one of the best defenses against climate change. The more the world knows and understands climate change and how human action, or inaction, can affect the sustainability of the world the better-placed populations will be to help take real measures to improve sustainability and limit the negative effects of climate change. And what better place to start than in schools?
Ensuring eco-friendly measures are taken in schools allows students, from a young age, to not only understand why they are important but it sets an example that they can follow. After all, ‘do as I do’ is a much more effective learning tool than ‘do as I say’. These young pupils should then go on to adopt these practices in all aspects of their life and in turn, a reduced carbon footprint becomes a way of life.
So here are some steps you can take to improve lead by example and improve the carbon footprint of schools.
The school canteen
The school canteen is an excellent place to start as there are so many eco-friendly measures that can be implemented. Measures that will improve the sustainability of the school but that can also be taken home and used in pupils’ and teachers’ day-to-day life.
Meat-free days
Meat carries with it a huge carbon footprint. Reducing the amount of meat eaten can reduce the output of greenhouse gasses considerably. So, consider implementing one day a week where meat is replaced by a plant-based alternative. Also, ensure that vegetarian offerings are included daily on the school menu.
Food waste
Food wastage is another huge contributor to a school’s carbon footprint. Rotting food waste can end up in landfill sites emitting harmful greenhouse gasses. Ensure that every effort is made to avoid food waste.
Use local food
By sourcing your school food locally you will be cutting the associated emissions and help support your local economy.
The school building
Here are some ways you can make your school building more eco-friendly and energy-efficient.
- Install motion sensor lighting so that lights are only in use when needed.
- Insulate the building.
- Use heating and air conditioning units only when absolutely needed. Consider opening windows before switching on the AC.
- Consider alternative energy sources, such as solar power.
- Turn off tech that is not in use. A computer can consume up to 65% of the required energy when it is left on. The energy that is being wasted and not used. Be sure to turn off any gadgets, computers, printers, and tablets if they are not being used.
- Invest in quality items. When it comes to items such as cafeteria tables, desks, and chairs be sure to invest in items that will stand the test of time. These items are essential in schools and will be used every day so you want to ensure that you have chosen quality materials that will not need replacing regularly. This will help your school’s purse strings and keep its carbon footprint in check.
- Consider greener alternatives such as recycled paper and upgrading your technology and appliances to modern energy-efficient models.
- Recycle everything. Ensure that your school is littered with recycling bins for students and teachers to use.
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