The use of electricity in many Australian schools is commonplace. However, the biggest challenge for many school facility managers is ensuring that electricity is used as efficiently as possible. An energy-efficient school facility is a source of pride for any energy-savvy manager. If you manage a school facility, here's some expert advice on what you can do to cut your electricity bills.

Lighting

For any school facility, good lighting is essential in both indoor and outdoor settings. You need to make sure that classrooms are sufficiently lit so that learners can clearly see whatever their instructor is writing on the teaching board. The best way to reduce your reliance on artificial lighting is to make the most out of natural lighting. During the daytime, utilize the light coming into your classrooms through the windows. This way, you will not have to unnecessarily keep your artificial lights turned on. In the nighttime when you need to keep the lights turned on, make sure to keep off electricity-guzzling light bulbs such as the traditional incandescent light bulbs. Instead, use energy-saving light bulbs like LED bulbs.

Electronic equipment

Electronic devices can be major energy consumers in your school. Unfortunately, many school managers do not pay enough attention to the voltages or wattages of electronic equipment during the purchase process. Most of the time, they tend to only preoccupy their minds with how to get good discounts while giving little regard to the long term energy consumption of the equipment needed. The next time you need to acquire desktop computers, laptops, LCD projectors, DVD/VCR players, or any other electronic learning and teaching devices, make sure to go for brands and models that promise to keep your electricity expenses down.

Heating/cooling

Extremely hot or cold temperatures can make it difficult for learning to go on effectively in classrooms. But that does not mean that you should run your HVAC equipment for as long as temperatures remain uncomfortable. A great way to beat the steamy summer heat, for example, would be to schedule for some afternoon classes to be held outside where it may be cooler. This will present a chance to turn off your air conditioners and cooling fans, thereby reducing consumption of electricity.

As an increasing number of educational facilities in Australia continue to appreciate the benefits of energy efficiency, there's a general feeling that every school manager needs to take up a more proactive role in ensuring electricity is used efficiently. Hiring a competent electrician to perform an electrical audit of your school facility can help identify more sources of electricity wastage.