Q) Energy conservation is now a vital issue globally. How would you recommend that schools approach the subject in order to fully engage students?
A) It is vital that schools participate in education about environmental issues and energy conservation. Clearly, there are links between carbon dioxide emissions and the climate, which means we should use energy as efficiently as possible. What is often forgotten is that we only have finite supplies and, leaving the climate aside, we should respect our energy resource and conserve as much as possible for future generations. Thus the link to schools is key. We have particular problems with oil, world supplies of which are likely to peak before the middle of the next decade, against constantly rising demand.
Schools can approach the subject by raising awareness across all the issues and focusing on what individuals and families can do to reduce their carbon footprint. In particular, the school itself can be used as an example. Regular meter readings can show consumption profiles and these can be compared with standard figures. Raising awareness among staff and pupils about turning off lights and computers and seeing the savings through the meter readings can be very educational. The Carbon Trust can provide services on how the school can become more energy efficient.
Q) What measures can schools take to reduce energy costs and carbon emissions?
A) Certainly smart meters, displaying instantaneous and cumulative consumption data. Embedded, and very visible, generation is now popular, including solar panels for electricity or hot water. Small wind turbines are also popular but, with all these things, proper advice must be sought. Of course there are all the basics like proper heating controls to ensure heating doesn't run overnight or at weekends. This is a common problem: there may be a time clock, but is it properly set? Also lighting controls, especially in toilets where lights are often on all the time.
Q) Total energy efficiency can take years to achieve, in the short term what can schools do to see an immediate effect?
A) Short term, and low cost measures, are checking heating controls above and pupil/staff awareness raising. For other more detailed measures, such as improving insulation, draft proofing, etc, a Carbon Trust survey is a good start to set priorities.
Q) How important do you feel the education sectors role is in increasing awareness of this vital issue?
A) This is probably a unique thread to engage people of all social classes and backgrounds. We are all in this together and we can all work together. Opportunities are all around us. Awareness raising can highlight those and help for this to become part of everyday life. Just as smoking is now becoming socially un-acceptable in public places, so should leaving things switched on when we go home from work, or go to bed, etc. That aside, there are now very important career opportunities in this field. To meet the 2020 targets that are being spoken of, will require a whole new generation of resources, with skills right across the range from installing solar panels to designing the new nuclear power stations.
