Group Activity
"Innovative Solutions for a Sustainable
Campus"
Detailed Plan
TOPIC: ENERGY EFFICIENCY
Title: Improving Energy Efficiency in a School Setting
Ancho, Elijah Paul
Aragao, Jhona
Asis, Regie
Berganting, Trista Mae
Car, Jeremy Vincent
Espenilla, Rhexie
Gonzaga, Sophia Victoria
Mirando, Rica Mae
Sampangan, Janica
Santos, Glaidel
Sibayan, Vincent Erickson
A. Problem/Addressing
Energy Waste was a significant global issue that was faced by all countries. Asia had 70 % the highest
energy wasted followed by North America with 66.7% and Europe with 60%. The global average of
energy wasted is 65%. Wasted Energy was not only applicable to electricity but also water, minerals
and fossil fuel like gas, oil, and coal.
Energy Waste or wasted energy, happens when energy resources such as electricity or other power
are used unnecessarily or inefficiently. This can happen in varied settings: houses, schools, offices,
factories and plenty more.
We observed the problem of wasting electricity in various classrooms in our campus that contributed to
the energy waste problem.
1. Inefficient appliances and equipment - Older and poorly maintained equipment in school such as
older conventional air conditioners and old lights use more energy kept than necessary.
2. Poor insulation and air leaks - Insufficient building insulation causes excessive heating or cooling
needs.
3. Lack of energy efficient practices - Leaving lights on and electronics when not needed cause waste
energy.
B. PROPOSE SOLUTIONS AND IMPLEMENTATION
1. Identify Energy Waste Sources
- Inspect classrooms and school facilities to identify areas where energy is being wasted. This includes
noting older appliances, inefficient lighting, air leaks, and instances where lights or electronics are left
on unnecessarily.
2. Upgrade Inefficient Appliances and Equipment
- Replace old air conditioners, lights, and other equipment with energy-efficient models that have high
energy ratings. These upgrades will significantly reduce energy consumption.
- Install smart meters and thermostats to monitor and control energy use in classrooms and common
areas, ensuring that power is used only when needed.
3. Improve Insulation and Fix Air Leaks
- Conduct an inspection of school buildings for poor insulation and air leaks around windows and doors.
Add proper insulation where necessary.
- Regularly check for new air leaks or insulation issues, and repair them promptly to prevent heat loss
and excess energy use.
4. Promote Energy-Efficient Practices
- Implement a school-wide campaign to raise awareness about energy conservation. This can include:
- Turning off lights and electronics when not in use.
- Using natural light during the day by keeping windows uncovered.
- Posting reminders near light switches to encourage students and staff to switch off lights.
- Conducting workshops to educate the school community on energy-saving habits.
5. Shift to Renewable Energy Sources
- Explore the possibility of installing solar panels on the school campus to reduce dependence on non-
renewable energy sources like fossil fuels.
- Promote the use of renewable energy through school policies and events to further encourage energy
conservation.
C. Potential challenges and how to overcome them.
1. Potential challenges on identifying energy waste
-Behavioral Factors
Students may have ingrained habits that contribute to energy waste, which can be difficult to change.
Ways on how to overcome
-Promote Energy Awareness and Training
Educate staff about energy-saving practices and encourage behavioral changes to reduce waste
2. Potential challenges on upgrading inefficient appliances and equipment
-High Upfront Costs
Lack of financial resources and budget constraints can hinder the adoption of comprehensive energy
efficiency measures
Ways on how to overcome the challenges on upgrading inefficient appliances and equipment
-Increase Awareness and Commitment
Educate the owners and employees on the benefits of energy efficiency, including cost savings and
environmental impact
3. Potential challenges on improving insulation and fixing air leaks
-Environmental Challenges
Moisture, temperature fluctuations, and pests can affect insulation performance.
Ways on how to overcome this
-Use moisture-resistant materials and ensure proper ventilation to mitigate these risks
4. Potential challenges of Promoting Energy-Efficient Practices
-High Initial Costs: Energy-efficient technologies often require significant upfront investments,
discouraging adoption despite long-term savings.
Ways on how to overcome
- Energy Savings Contracts: Allow savings from reduced energy use to pay for the upgrades over time.
-Tax Credits: Implement tax breaks to reduce the financial burden of adopting energy-efficient solutions
5. potential challenges on Shift to Renewable Energy Sources
Energy Storage Limitations: Current energy storage technology, like batteries, is still costly and not
widely available at the scale needed to ensure continuous power supply.
Ways on how to overcome
- Encourage Innovation: Promote competition and partnerships to accelerate breakthroughs in storage
technology.
D. Conclusion
Energy efficiency is an imperative concept in the 21st century as resources are limited and the rising
human population is consuming it at a rapid pace. It's a strategic approach to resource management
and environmental sustainability. Energy efficiency practice to reduce energy consumption and wasting
energy resources, lower the cost with minimizing effect on the environment, and adopting innovative
technologies that resolve the problem that have aforesaid. As a human living on this earth, following the
suggested solution, especially that which can easily be followed by any human in this world, is the
greatest contribution to preserving these energy resources for future generations.
Sources:
(https://www.linkedin.com/advice/0/how-do-you-identify-energy-waste-skills-energy-management)
(https://www.greencitytimes.com/the-importance-of-upgrading-home-appliances-for-the-environment/)
(https://www.spi-co.com/roller/SPIBlog/entry/most-common-challenges-when-installing)
(https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/role-energy-efficiency-reducing-operational-costs-malvin-delgado-
a89ye#:~:text=High%20Initial%20Costs%3A%20The%20upfront,efficient%20and%20cost%2Deffective
%20solutions.)
(https://terrapass.com/blog/advantages-and-disadvantages-of-using-renewable-energy/)
(https://media.inti.asia/read/innovations-in-energy-storage-technologies-overcoming-barriers-to-growth)
(https://www.ncat.org/energy/energy-toolkit/energy-efficient-schools/)
(https://www.ecomasteryproject.com/implementing-sustainable-energy-practices-in-schools/)
(https://www.energystar.gov/sites/default/files/tools/K12EnergyEfficiencyStudentToolkit.pdf)
