Meet Jess Forbes, a dedicated teacher at Summit View Elementary who runs an after-school conservation club for students ranging from 3rd to 6th grade. When her school joined the Renew Our Schools competition, Jess and her students embarked on a remarkable journey of discovery, problem-solving, and impactful change.

Discovering the Competition

Jess first heard about the Renew Our Schools competition from their District Sustainability Coordinator, Beth Church. They saw it as a perfect opportunity to engage her conservation club in hands-on, inquiry-based learning. Students eagerly anticipated the challenge, ready to dive into energy conservation.

Planning and Preparation

To kick off their participation, Jess integrated the competition into her after-school club activities. She used the eGauge (real-time energy monitor) chart, projecting it for her students to analyze. Meeting right after school, they could observe the building’s energy usage as it wound down for the evening. This initial step laid the groundwork for a deep dive into energy data and patterns.

Engaging Students

Jess’s students were so excited by the real-time data. They noticed the expected low usage at night and high usage during the day, but their curiosity was piqued by unexpected energy peaks at night. This observation led to a series of investigative questions and hypotheses. The students thought the peaks might be due to the night cleaning crew, but after consulting with the school custodian, they learned the cleaning occurred between 7-9pm, not late at night.

Conducting the Energy Audit

The next step was to email the district’s buildings management team. They discovered that the night-time energy peaks were due to COVID protocol air purges. Jess and her students requested a reduction in the number of air purges, and their request was approved, not just for their school but for every building in the district. This change significantly reduced energy usage and showcased the students’ power to effect district-wide change.

Implementing Energy-Saving Measures

Despite their significant impact, Jess’s students remained focused on the competition, analyzing energy peaks and looking for more ways to save energy. They learned about the substantial energy consumption of HVAC systems, shifting their focus from just lighting to more comprehensive energy-saving measures.

Their efforts led to another major discovery. During a field trip to the school roof to see the solar panels, they found ten broken panels. Jess contacted the solar company that serviced the district, which pressured the district to replace the broken panels. As a result, Summit View Elementary received ten new solar panels, furthering their energy conservation efforts.

Tracking Progress and Results

Throughout the competition, Jess and her students diligently tracked their progress using the eGauge data. They learned to interpret the data, identify patterns, and understand the broader implications of their energy-saving efforts. Although the reduction in air purges didn’t significantly impact their standing in the competition, it did lead to a meaningful, long-term change in the district’s energy usage.

Long-Term Impact

The competition left a lasting impression on Jess and her students. They became more aware of the various factors affecting energy usage and continued to seek ways to conserve energy. Their journey exemplifies the power of hands-on, inquiry-based learning in driving real-world change and inspiring future energy innovators. Thanks to these amazing students, DCSD Sustainability and Controls/Operations Department found an additional 9 schools still on the twice-a-day air purges. The findings from the Summit View students initiated a total cost/energy savings of $20,000 for the district after the air purges were corrected.

Conclusion

Jess Forbes and her students at Summit View Elementary demonstrate how a teacher’s approach to the Renew Our Schools competition can lead to significant and lasting impact. Their story is a testament to the power of curiosity, teamwork, and determination in tackling energy conservation challenges. If you’re inspired by their journey, consider joining the Renew Our Schools competition and see the difference you and your students can make.

Ready to join the Renew Our Schools competition? Learn more and sign up at ResourceCentral.org/schools. Have questions? Contact us at schools@resourcecentral.org. Let’s work together to inspire the next generation of energy innovators!