Even when your school is empty, there’s always energy being used. Equipment like fridges, freezers, and computer servers are constantly running in the background. However, many things also get left on accidentally when the school is closed – lights, computers, printers, even the heating!
Switch off for the weekend!
It is a great way to cut energy waste and encourage fantastic energy-efficient behaviours that benefit your school and the planet!
Top tips for your weekend switch off:
- Create a switch-off list for your school, whether it’s one for the whole school or one per classroom, building, or area.
- Walk around the school as a class and identify where energy may be being wasted and what could be on your switch-off list.
- Ask pupils what they think they could help with? Could they take responsibility for turning off lights or screens they know aren’t in use?
- Don’t forget to involve staff, including teachers, teaching assistants, and office staff. They might need reminders to turn things off at the wall.
- Place the list somewhere visible, like by the classroom door, and decide who’s responsible for switching things off.
- If the school is in use during the weekend, find out what equipment is needed and make sure everything else is switched off.
- Measure your success
- Reflect on your weekend switch-off.
- Did you find any items had been left on?
- Could you try something similar at home?
Use this activity from Energy Sparks to help with your school switch off.
Did you know?
The average school uses about 10% of its energy during term-time weekends? That’s quite a lot!
Want to do more? Spotlight on Energy Sparks
Energy Sparks is a registered charity providing an online energy management tool and education programme, specifically designed to help UK schools reduce their electricity and gas usage, through the analysis of smart meter data.
Useful Resources: