Performance contracting can seem to be a convenient approach to energy efficiency, but other options may offer better returns in investments and energy savings.
Energy Engagement
Lessons from leaders in school sustainability
Sustainability is worth celebrating. Recognizing the achievements of leaders in school sustainability provides examples of actions that are attainable, realistic and effective.
How to overcome barriers to energy management
Energy management makes sense for the bottom line and for sustainability. However, other priorities within organizations often become more pressing than energy management projects. Behaviour change strategies are a powerful approach to overcome the common...
Best practices for communicating about climate change
Energy managers may not be trained communicators, but they are vital links between decision makers and solutions. Sharing stories and successes of effective energy management in your school encourages innovation in your district and beyond.
Schools are nurturing environments for conservation
School facilities managers can use students’ excitement alongside equipment upgrades and staff engagement to ensure energy management programs are successful.
From the students: Inspire through innovative school facilities
School facilities are more than a place of learning – the buildings themselves can be inspiration to students. Alongside curriculum and student engagement, school facilities play a significant role in creating future leaders in sustainability. A report by Alberta students outlines the value of energy efficient school facilities on their education and future.
Bring energy management into the classroom
It is not the job of school facilities and maintenance staff to work directly with students, but student engagement can be a benefit for facilities projects. Tips to bring energy management out of the boiler room and into the classroom.
More eyes and ears: Improving staff engagement
Energy management is far more than utility costs and a facility’s systems. It is the relationship with all staff at an organization. As energy manager for British Columbia’s Interior Health Authority, Caroline Reid works alongside around 19,000 staff, including frontline and facilities employees. No matter the size of organization, Reid says energy management programs are only successful through healthy engagement with all staff.
Enabling custodial staff to become environmental leaders
Simple approaches to encourage school custodial staff to become leaders in sustainability and energy efficiency.
Get the most out of consultants
Consultants offer specialized knowledge and experience, but they may go into projects without knowing all the details of a building or organization. A few simple actions can keep consultants up-to-date and can contribute to the overall success of energy programs.
Save energy. Save money.
Get the latest news on energy management in rural schools in Canada.