The United States’ 17,450 K-12 school districts spend over $6 billion annually on energy. That amount is more than what is spent on computers and textbooks combined! Meanwhile, a typical 50,000-square-foot (ft²) higher-education building in the U.S. uses more than $100,000 worth of energy each year.

As much as 30 percent of a school’s total energy is used inefficiently or unnecessarily.  By being more energy efficient, schools can help prevent greenhouse gas emissions and improve the students’ learning environment. Schools have successfully used the savings from improved energy performance to help pay for building improvements and other upgrades that enhance the student experience.

Unsurprisingly, Massachusetts is the most energy efficient state in the country, with colleges, universities, and K-12 schools making up a sizable contribution with modifications and reductions in their energy usage.

Recent energy efficiency projects in Massachusetts educational facilities:

• Harvard University
• Massachusetts Institute of Technology
• The College of the Holy Cross
• Boston College
• Northeastern University
• Worcester Public Schools
• Marshfield Public Schools
• Dedham Public Schools
• Lexington Public Schools

Schools are able to save in a variety of cost effective ways. To start, it is important to measure and track energy performance by initiating low cost measures that include recycling, turning off lights when not in use, setting back the thermostat at night and when a building is unoccupied, and performing maintenance on equipment. Awareness is a key concept, but educating students and employees of the school can have a very positive affect on energy usage behaviors.

Cost-effective investments also bring significant savings in the long run. These investments include installing energy efficient controls, upgrading equipment and replacing energy consuming equipment. It is also recommended that facilities work with professionals to help manage and improve performance, in addition to researching available grants that can guarantee energy savings from upgrades. Conversely, many energy service companies (ESCOs) offer an energy service performance contract where equipment upgrades are financed by the ESCO from the anticipated future savings.

Although it may not be the most immediate need for some schools and universities, improving energy efficiency within facilities can help alleviate other problems as well. Increased energy efficiency can provide schools with a greater incentive to become greener, while also creating energy savings which can be put toward capital improvements, ultimately creating a healthier and higher performing school.