Whole School Energy Challenge
In 2011 VEEP partnered with Efficiency Vermont and the School Energy Management Program (SEMP) to pilot a new school initiative: The Whole School Energy Challenge. This pilot program engages schools in a friendly competition to reduce energy use at their school.
How to apply for the 2012-13 Challenge?
The deadine for applications has passed. Congratulations to the following seven new schools who have been selected to join the Whole School Energy Challenge in 2012-13. Bellows Free Academy, St. Albans City School, Essex High School and Tech Ed Center, The Edge Academy in Essex, Harwood Union High School, Thetford Acadmey, and The Putney School.
How does the Challenge work?
The first step is getting the administration on board, namely the principal and/or members of the school board. Then SEMP conducts a school-wide energy audit to look at everything from systems and schedules to the building envelope. Next the school forms an Action Team comprised of motivated students, teachers, administrators, staff and even parents. VEEP staff helps the team review the audit to identify opportunities for energy efficiency improvements and develop an Action Plan.
To learn more, view the webinar.
The Playbook of activities provides suggestions and guidance to help the Action Teams investigate opportunities to reduce energy use at their school. Each month, school receive a report showing how their energy use compares it to the same month the previous year. The Action Teams also report activities they have undertaken that may have impacted energy use at the school.
Click on the school links (in green box) to see how each school is doing.
