Discuss as a group ways to develop more detailed knowledge about the use of energy in the school. List these methods and develop some teams to record energy use in different parts of the school.

Discuss as a group ways to develop more detailed knowledge about the use of energy in the school. List these methods and develop some teams to record energy use in different parts of the school.

Areas of the school

Using a map of the school, students observe and record energy usage in different parts of the school.

Team Roles

It is suggested that each group will need a recorder and 2 observers. The recorder’s job is to ensure the correct information is recorded into the Appliance Survey Sheet (DOC, 1.9MB). Observer 1 identifies how energy is being used (e.g. lights, fans) and Observer 2 looks at how people are using the equipment/lighting. This information is passed on to the recorder.

Recording information

Each group can be given an area e.g. a block of classrooms. They will then be responsible for recording all energy-using equipment and how this equipment is being used.

Safety and Access

Students will need to access all areas of the school, including teacher areas, offices and storage areas. They will need to determine if all lighting is working and how often lights are switched on in each classroom.

Analysing Information

Once this information is collected it can be used to calculate how energy is used.

Suggested Procedures for Preparing Students to Conduct the Survey

• Stress safety aspects of dealing with electricity and gas
• Check on access to each area of the school
• Consult with Principal, teachers, school officers, business service manager and administrative assistants concerning your intention to carry out assessment
• Provide students with name tags and signs to say assessment is in progress
• Provide students with clipboards, pens and record sheets
• Find out the wattage of the outside lights and internal lights. Generally this information can be found from either the school officer or Principal.

Reading the School Meters

Reading the school meters will provide a direct measure of the school's daily energy use.

It is also a useful tool for monitoring weekend use and the success of reduction strategies.

Suggested Procedure for Reading Meters

• Locate all electricity and gas meters in the school. You may need to organise access with the general assistant or Principal if the area is locked up or restricted.
• Calculate overnight readings by:
  a. Taking the first reading at the end of a school day
  b. Taking the next reading at the same time the following day
  c. Calculate daily usage
•  Take another reading exactly a week after the first reading
•  Calculate the usage for that week.

Areas of the school

Using a map of the school, students observe and record energy usage in different parts of the school.

Team Roles

It is suggested that each group will need a recorder and 2 observers. The recorder’s job is to ensure the correct information is recorded into the Appliance Survey Sheet (DOC, 1.9MB). Observer 1 identifies how energy is being used (e.g. lights, fans) and Observer 2 looks at how people are using the equipment/lighting. This information is passed on to the recorder.

Recording information

Each group can be given an area e.g. a block of classrooms. They will then be responsible for recording all energy-using equipment and how this equipment is being used.

Safety and Access

Students will need to access all areas of the school, including teacher areas, offices and storage areas. They will need to determine if all lighting is working and how often lights are switched on in each classroom.

Analysing Information

Once this information is collected it can be used to calculate how energy is used.

Suggested Procedures for Preparing Students to Conduct the Survey

• Stress safety aspects of dealing with electricity and gas
• Check on access to each area of the school
• Consult with Principal, teachers, school officers, business service manager and administrative assistants concerning your intention to carry out assessment
• Provide students with name tags and signs to say assessment is in progress
• Provide students with clipboards, pens and record sheets
• Find out the wattage of the outside lights and internal lights. Generally this information can be found from either the school officer or Principal.

Reading the School Meters

Reading the school meters will provide a direct measure of the school's daily energy use.

It is also a useful tool for monitoring weekend use and the success of reduction strategies.

Suggested Procedure for Reading Meters

• Locate all electricity and gas meters in the school. You may need to organise access with the general assistant or Principal if the area is locked up or restricted.
• Calculate overnight readings by:
  a. Taking the first reading at the end of a school day
  b. Taking the next reading at the same time the following day
  c. Calculate daily usage
•  Take another reading exactly a week after the first reading
•  Calculate the usage for that week.