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- Energy Efficiency Program
Program Overview
Schools for Energy Efficiency® (SEE) is a comprehensive program for K-12 schools to save energy and money by changing behavior throughout the district. SEE provides a systemized plan, training, educational energy awareness materials, and utility tracking for immediate and sustainable savings.
Find a Star Tribune story about the program here.
SEE program goals
- Reduce energy use by 10%
- Achieve recognition through ENERGY STAR®
- Engage students, teachers, and staff
White Bear Lake Area Schools, District 624 Adopts Energy Guidelines
School District 624 is committed to an energy-efficient environment through participation in the Schools for Energy Efficiency™ (SEE) program. The Cabinet members approved energy guidelines to help reduce energy use throughout our schools while maintaining an environment that is conducive to learning.
The purpose of energy guidelines is to identify and establish standards for all district employees regarding the operation of heating, cooling, ventilation, electrical equipment and water use in school buildings and other properties owned and operated by the district. The guidelines outline energy-efficient practices for building operators and district staff in an effort to reduce annual district energy consumption by 10 percent.
A district energy steering committee, which includes representation from district schools and departments, developed the guidelines and will work to help implement them. The steering committee used federal guidelines from the Department of Education, American Society of Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Engineers, Indoor Air Quality and the Department of Energy.
All district employees are asked to read the guidelines and follow the energy recommendations that pertain to their position and day-to-day job responsibilities so we can all become empowered to help save energy to support education.
Find a copy of the guidelines here.
White Bear Lake Area Schools Program Results to Date
SEE Student Activities
Did you know SEE provides you with several opportunities for student activities?
"My students really enjoyed the Human Power Generator. They were very engaged and so excited to try it out that they could barely contain themselves! [A visiting mom who] works at 3M is trained as a Traveling Wizard, and was really impressed with all of the things SEE had put together to enhance the experience for the kids. I had a science professor at River Falls who strongly emphasized that if you were going to teach about Siberian Tigers, you darn well better have a Siberian Tiger right there in your classroom. His philosophy was that your lessons should be "Hands-on. Hearts-on. Minds-on." I think the Human Power Generator would have satisfied his beliefs in what a good lesson should be like. Thanks again for letting us borrow these great hands-on science materials!"
- Mr. Bataglia, 4th Grade, Matoska Elementary School
Find an activities flyer here.
Energy Facts
- Incandescent light bulbs can be replaced with fluorescent light bulbs, which use 75 percent less energy and last 10 times longer.
- Americans constitute 5% of the world's population but consume 24% of the world's energy.
- The average US family spends $1,500 per year on their utility costs.
- Find tips on how to save energy at home at the U.S. Department of Energy website
Partners & Resources
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