Switch off. Computers left on overnight or over lunch waste energy. Label computers to remind people to switch off. If they can't switch off the machine, switch off the monitor. Computer monitors use 60% of the energy needed for the whole computer. For more ideas visit the West Wales Eco Centre website.
Find an environmental event (green fairs, talks or workshops) in your area and take part. Or organise one in your school/community. Encourage your students to take part too. Then publicise details of events that you're involved with on Friends of the Earth's Community forum.
Save energy by turning down your thermostat. Turn radiators off in areas that are used less often, such as corridors, hallways and storage areas. Old buildings are often draughty and poorly insulated, block up those draughts to stop heat escaping. And for real long-term savings, review your heating system.
Set up a school recycling scheme. The phone directory should provide some numbers for recycling collectors, local or national paper collection companies. Many companies will recycle a range of other items too.
Change to low-energy bulbs. This will save the school money instantly as well as reducing the energy use. Lighting controls can be installed, so lights only come on when needed. Or just clearly mark switches so that people only light the area that they need. Remember to switch off when a room is not in use.
Run by Global Action Plan 'Action at School' aims to help you improve your School's environmental impact. They train student action teams and give advice about water use, waste, energy and transport issues. The programme is curriculum linked and endorsed by the United Nations Environment Programme.
Encourage everyone to print less by sticking a sign above the printer and photocopier, such as 'Think before you print to save energy and paper'. Make printing double-sided a standard. Use recycled paper. You could even set up a refill system for ink cartridges.
Set up a walking bus or 'crocodile' to get students to school safely. An adult driver walks at the front and a conductor at the back. Students walk in pairs in between. Like a bus you can make scheduled stops but unlike a real bus it is free, healthy, sociable and good for the environment. Take part in the National Walk to School Month in October. The theme this year is health and obesity. Find out how to take part.
If your building is now running efficiently, consider microgeneration. Public buildings can have perfect conditions for energy generation from the sun, wind or ground. Not only will it save money, but you can even make money by selling surplus back to the grid. It isn't a cheap, but there are grants available. Find out more about microgeneration.
For more tips on greener living, check out our new book How Can I Stop Climate Change?
Find out how to assess the energy use in your school building>
Check out our useful links for educators>
Discuss "Green up your school or group" in our forum
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