Get Smart About Energy Use
Renew Our Schools is a national education program that empowers K-12 students to make a positive impact by conserving energy. The program provides inquiry-based lesson plans created by educators, allowing students to experience energy conservation through immersive educational activities and earn points for their school. Each semester includes a fun (and feisty!) competition to win prizes. Get smart about energy use!
Join 200,000+ Students Committed to Energy Conservation
Enroll Your School
Over five weeks, schools experience energy conservation through hands-on learning. The excitement builds as schools earn points by saving energy and completing School Energy Actions.
Access Resources
Our online app helps support your students’ exploration of energy. Access the comprehensive Teachers Guide with a suggested schedule, inquiry-based lesson plans created by educators to meet critical learning standards in the classroom, and recommendations for each School Energy Action.
Leverage Hardware
We recommend each school competing for the first time purchase a Classroom Toolkit that can be reused year after year to support the program in the classroom. Schools enrolled in the STAR competition require a Real Time Energy Monitor that we can assist with getting installed if needed.
Affordable Options
We believe every teacher should have the opportunity to introduce Renew Our Schools to their classroom, and we’re committed to keeping fees low. If cost is a barrier, please contact us.
Join the Next Competition
Choose the best competition type for you and your students based on budget, schedule, and where students are in their energy education journey.
SPARK Competition
Designed for first timers, no eGauge required
- No energy monitor required
- Access to competition app, 5-week lesson plan & teacher guide
- Classroom toolkit recommended, one-time purchase
- Complete a School Energy Audit
- Develop an Energy Management Plan
Spring 2026 Competition runs from January 19, 2026 – February 27, 2026. Deadline to enroll is January 12, 2026.
STAR Competition
Requires eGauge and Toolkit
- eGauge real-time energy monitor & classroom toolkit required (one-time purchase)
- Access to competition app, 5-week lesson plan & teacher guide
- Complete a School Energy Audit
- Develop an Energy Management Plan
- Impacts Energy Consumption
Spring 2026 Competition runs from February 23, 2026 – April 4, 2026. Deadline to enroll (when eGauge installation is required) is December 20, 2025.
Students experience energy conservation and competition
Schools compete for cash prizes
Meets teaching standards and inspires energy innovators
Includes web app, 5-week lesson plan, and guides
Significant Savings With District Involvement
Attention Wisconsin Schools
Thanks to a partnership with Focus on Energy and the University of Wisconsin KEEP, we’re able to offer free and reduced participation costs for schools in Wisconsin.
Subscribe to the Renew Our Schools newsletter:
Watch your inbox for an opt-in confirmation, and we’ll share news about upcoming competitions, the weekly Wattz Up, and more!
