Energy Audit Challenge

A student-powered investigation into how your school uses (and wastes) energy, designed to spark understanding, action, and innovation for greener schools.

When it comes to reducing emissions from school buildings, many educators and students want to take action but don't know where to start.

That's where this tool comes in! We created it as a simple, hands-on way for anyone (teachers, students, or clubs) to explore how their school uses energy. You don't need to be an engineer or an eco-expert. This tool helps you ask questions, gather real data, and uncover where energy is being wasted in your school building.

It's more than a learning activity; it's a launchpad. Even by completing just part of the audit you'll gain insights that can spark real-world change and open the door to future projects and funding.

What is the Energy Audit Tool?

An energy audit is an assessment of a building’s energy consumption and efficiency. Audits are extremely useful because they let building owners know how they can upgrade their building to reduce their carbon footprint as well as reduce their operating costs. The Energy Audit Tool is a set of activities and resources that students and educators can use to collect basic energy consumption data about your school building.

Tailored specifically for students, this hands-on learning experience allows you to dive deep into the energy landscape of your school. From insulation to lighting setups, students embark on a journey to uncover the secrets of energy consumption, all while visualizing their impact on the environment.

Who Is It For?

• Students & Teachers: Grades 8-12, it's time to ignite your curiosity and explore the energy landscape of your school. Learn about energy science through real world exploration of the building you spend all your days in!
• Green Club Members: Tired of recycling campaigns and eco-posters? Take this step to collect data and understand how your club can make big-impact climate action at your school.
• Educational Non-Profit Organizations: Engage your student audiences with this dynamic learning experience.

*Psst! We recommend tackling the Energy Audit Tool in groups of 3 or 6 for maximum fun and impact!*

What's Inside?

• Pre-Audit: Gather general information about your school, including its name, location, and basic building details. A great way to get oriented before you dive in.
• School Data (in the Pre-Audit): Record key stats about your school's size and energy context, like Gross Floor Area and the Greenhouse Gas Intensity of your electricity.
• Consumption Data (in the Pre-Audit): Collect real-world consumption figures for natural gas, electricity, and water (if available). This gives you a baseline understanding of your school's resource use.
• Lighting: Explore how artificial lighting is used in your school, from what types of lights are installed to how and when they're turned on. Observe behaviours and control systems.
• Electrical Equipment: Investigate plugged-in devices and their energy impact. From computers to vending machines, you'll learn how power usage and habits contribute to your school's overall load.
• Water Consumption: Look at how your school uses water, including behaviours, fixtures, and opportunities to reduce waste or improve efficiency.

Each section is self-contained and can stand alone. Even completing just one gives students real insight into how buildings use energy and what they can do about it.

How does this help me start fighting climate change?

You can use the data you collect with the tool to advocate to your school administration. By showing your principal and the school board the results of your audit, you can make them aware of the greenhouse gas reduction potential and all the money they could be saving if they invested in energy efficiency and renewable energy. You can even take your audit data and share it with an energy consultant in your province. They can use your audit data to give you recommendations about how your school can become more energy efficient. You can make a real difference by using this resource to get the conversation and momentum started in making your school a healthier and greener place!

Bonus: This is also a huge resume building experience!

By completing the Energy Audit Challenge with your school community, you will develop the practical life skills and knowledge needed to understand and advocate for improved energy consumption in your schools, homes, and future places of work.