At least 300,000 staff working in private schools have been adversely affected by the effects of the COVID19 pandemic in Kenya according to the CEO Kenya Private Schools Association.
But with the recent resumption of learning in schools and institutions of higher education, there’s still need to continue reducing on our energy consumption so as to reduce on costs, reduce the carbon footprint, secure teaching jobs and remain financially sustainable as we slowly resume our traditional educational programs.
Here a few ways learning institutional managers can target energy as a cost center in learning institutions so as to reduce on costs:
1. Designs of Institutions (Buildings)
Factors that should be considered here would be the sizes and types of window panes (large enough and translucent to allow natural light), the roofing structures (should be able to accommodate energy sources such as solar panels). The buildings (classrooms) should also be well ventilated and insulated too to prevent loss of heating or cooling energy.
2. A Switch From Desktop Computers For Computer Literacy Training Incorporated Into E-Learning
This can be exemplified in, using laptops as opposed to desktop computers to carry out operations as relevant to computer literacy studies. This is mainly because a single laptop can save as much as 75% in energy as compared to a desktop.
3. Using Energy Efficient Equipment
In practice, energy-efficient appliances usually have a star rating . Such appliances optimize energy for productivity. So for instance, an energy-efficient star rated printer in school would be able to save a lot of energy costs for the institution.
4. Energy Efficient Lighting
This, is in most cases, one of the underrated energy cost centers in organizations and institutions alike. Switching towards efficient lights could ensure that you optimize energy up to a mark of 80%. Their long lifespan also guarantees that you shall be able to reduce and bring to a minimum, your energy costs. Motion sensors can also be embraced in rooms and corridors to only light up when there is a movement within that particular vicinity.
5. Conducting An Energy Audit
The old adage goes, “you will never know, what it is like until you try it.” This is the same with energy audits, as they are the go-to tool in identifying those cost centers that are “eating” too much into your energy bills. CREOS Holdings Limited has been doing these for the past few years and it is important that students and teachers alike, are comfortable, and in a conducive environment. The finances that shall be saved from such an approach can then be utilized in other projects or channeled back into improving other aspects of the institution.
There you go, these are the energy conservation strategies, among many others, that energy-conscious learning institutions, post-COVID-19 can embrace,
We would like to leave you with a quote that; “good energy is contagious.”
Give Us A Call/Whatsapp on 0754388236 or write to us on design-solutions@creosltd.com for your Energy Conservation Needs.