American schools urged to go green

As students begin to pour back through the school gates American environmental authorities are hoping for a green new term.


Schools annual energy bills for both America’s primary and secondary buildings totals nearly $8bn, more than is spent on textbooks and computers combined and something that needs to be cut.

The US’s Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is calling on schools to improve their buildings energy efficiency.

To cut school costs the EPA has set up the Energy Star Challenge, a pledge committing schools to improving their energy efficiency.

Schools taking on the challenge will join more than 500 districts across the US in helping to fight climate change.

EPA administrator, Lisa P Jackson, said: “Our schools are doing their best to prepare our children for the future, and now they can help make sure that future includes a clean, safe environment.”

“Taking the Energy Star Challenge will help participating districts cut down on their electricity bills. Money they would have spent on energy can go back into the classroom, where it really belongs.”

Schools that take the Energy Star Challenge can use energy tracking tools, technical guidance, case studies, and other Energy Star tools and resources to help them improve their energy efficiency.

Luke Walsh

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