| Saving energy isn’t just smart—it can be fun, too. |
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| Welcome to MidAmerican Energy's e‑SMARTnews! |
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As an educator, you play an important role in helping children adopt energy‑saving habits and an energy‑efficiency mindset. To assist you with this, see some energy education tips below. Find even more on the MidAmerican e‑SMARTkids website.
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| Energy Efficiency Has a Positive Effect on the Environment |
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Teachers: Share this with your students!
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| There is no question that we are more reliant on energy than ever before. Energy enables us to put food on the table, to learn what’s going on across the globe, to get to our appointments and activities, and so much more. And yet, we tend to waste and misuse energy.
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While we are using more clean, renewable energy than ever before, many energy companies around the U.S. still rely on fossil fuels in some capacity to allow for reliability of energy services. When burned, those fossil fuels release gases into the atmosphere that have a direct effect on our climate.
So, what can you do to lessen the burden created by wasteful energy usage? You can learn to use energy efficiently!
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By intentionally choosing to conserve energy where possible, you can have a profound effect on
your environment. You’ll not only help to conserve natural resources, but to reduce pollution
and save money.
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Keep reading to explore how to conserve energy in the classroom and at home!
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| Assign an Energy Efficiency Monitor |
| K-12 schools spend upwards of $8 billion annually on energy
costs—the largest expense outside of teachers’ salaries. And yet, according to
ENERGY STAR, roughly 30% of energy usage is wasted. This doesn’t have to be
the case. By assigning an energy efficiency monitor, you can not only implement
energy savings in the classroom but teach students how to better steward energy at
home, as well as how to step into a role of leadership within their peer groups.
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So, what are the first steps in assigning an energy efficiency monitor? We have a few
suggestions.
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At the beginning of the year, provide a brief explanation as to why energy efficiency matters. Hint: It helps to reduce pollution, create healthier living environments, conserve natural resources and save money. |
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Select a student’s name at random for the first round of monitoring. Draw a name from a hat or use an online tool to help with this. Note: We recommend switching up the energy efficiency monitor on a weekly or monthly basis so that a variety of students can flex their leadership skills and feel as though they’re contributing positively to the classroom. |
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Once an energy efficiency monitor is assigned, go over this
checklist so that the monitor knows
exactly what to do and look for as they fill this role. |
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Now that students understand the why and how of energy efficiency, they can carry on with their energy conservation efforts at home. In fact, there are simple things they can look out for inside and out to ensure energy isn’t going to waste, such as:
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Chargers left plugged in long after a device has been detached |
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Refrigerator doors left slightly ajar after looking for a snack |
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A trickling hose in the backyard |
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These things, though small and often overlooked, lead to excessive energy use, or in this case, misuse. By learning to be cognizant of the things in our environment that zap energy, we can all consciously learn to benefit the environment through simple actions that save energy.
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| Access Additional Resources on our e‑SMARTkids Website! |
| Your students can explore our e-SMARTkids website to learn even more about energy efficiency. There, they’ll find activities, an FAQ section, games and more!
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