Energy Conservation

Program Details

Energy is key to power school operations, heating and cooling buildings, and fueling equipment. Energy conservation is one of the strategies CPS pursues to mitigate emissions and save money. These strategies seek to avoid using energy, for example by turning off lights.

The chart below identifies the impact of various end uses on a school’s average energy consumption. Heating, cooling, and lighting are the largest energy consumers in schools. As a result, we are taking steps to reduce wasted energy and achieve significant energy cost savings, starting with heating, cooling, and lighting. These investments will produce environmental, economic and educational benefits.

Smart energy behavior doesn't just impact CPS but also the wider community. While most energy behaviors can be universally applied, at CPS, some groups are better suited to influence how certain equipment is used. Building managers can ensure infrastructure such as temperature controls and ventilation units are adjusted to operate only when students and staff are in the building. Staff and teachers can turn lights off when leaving classrooms or offices and unplug any appliances that do not need to operate at night. Students can shut down and unplug any devices after they are done using them. 

We have already implemented numerous programs around energy conservation:

• Establishing building occupancy schedules
• Removing personal space heaters and appliances
• Procuring Energy Star equipment and appliances