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Energy Pathway

The United States is home to just 5 percent of the world's population but consumes more than 20 percent of its energy. On average, a person in America uses 10 times more energy than a person in China and nearly 20 times more than a person in India.

U.S. energy needs are met primarily by non-renewable sources including gas, oil, and coal. Access to abundant and inexpensive energy contributes to our high standard of living, but burning large quantities of fossil fuels also has serious environmental and health consequences. These range from smog and acid rain to, most critically, the release of greenhouse gases leading to global climate change.

Why Should Schools Reduce Their Energy Use?

The nation's school districts spend more than $7.5 billion a year on energy. Schools are the largest energy consumer in many municipalities. But up to 30 percent of that energy is used inefficiently or unnecessarily.

By implementing energy-conservation measures and using energy-efficient technologies, schools can significantly cut their energy use. The result is financial savings as well as a reduced environmental impact.

Following the Energy Pathway

• Objectives and Learning Outcomes - Set goals and targets for reducing your schools energy use.
• Top 10 Energy Tips - Helpful advice for working with your faculty, parents and community.
• Sample Audit - Before you get started, survey your school's energy usage.
• Sample Action Plan - Develop a plan of action to get your school to meet its reduction goals.
• Curriculum Connections - Ideas and guides for developing lesson plans that incorporate your work to reduce energy.
• Energy Resources - Even more helpful links to help you along the way.
• Fast Facts - Did you know? Thirty percent of the energy used in buildings is used inefficiently or unnecessarily.

Has your school developed a great way to save energy? If so, why not share it with everyone on our Facebook page?

Think your school is green? Take the Zerofootprint Challenge