<!--StartFragment-->Lowering the amount of carbon dioxide your school emits is an important way to fight climate change. The amount of CO2 a school emits is called its "carbon footprint." Replacing the filter on a heating and cooling system (HVAC) can reduce a school’s carbon footprint. So can letting the sun do its work and turning off lights when there is enough daylight that artificial light is not needed.

These and other ideas for energy management are on the Division of School Facilities’ website called DSF Green.The site also advises schools to set computers and other office equipment to save energy, such as sleeping when idle. Not to mention the energy savings from shutting off equipment like escalators and electric pool heaters when not needed.

Parents can help schools save energy by asking whether energy saving policies are in place, and by pointing out resources, such as DSF Green, where facilities managers can make sure best practices are being followed.<!--more-->

Some of the best learning opportunities come when kids are involved. What if, when learning about electricity, kids got to take a “field trip” around their school building with the custodian to see where energy is used and how it is, or can be, conserved? Students and the entire school community will get a chance to compete to reduce their carbon footprints in a contest this winter called the Green Cup Challenge. More on that in a later post. In the meantime,  let us know what  steps your school is taking to reduce its carbon footprints.<!--EndFragment-->