Three Ways to Make School Buildings More Efficient (and Healthier)

---

Schools can save money, support students, and be environmentally conscious—starting now. 

Written by

22Beacon (Formerly Charter Schools Development Corporation) and Katie Piehl, Bloomwise Partners

Modernizing Schools for energy efficiency and healthier learning environments.  

At 22Beacon and Bloomwise Partners, we believe sustainable school buildings should meet the needs of current and future generations of students. Modern schools are not only better for students, staff, and the school’s long-term financial health, they are also good for the environment. In fact, research shows that buildings that maximize natural lighting, have smart controls (think about your home’s thermostat), and minimize energy waste    lead to higher academic outcomes, lower absenteeism, and improved student and community well-being  (The Impact of School Buildings on Student Health and Performance (2012). McGrawHill Foundation) . 

Here are three practical tips to start cutting your operating costs and modernizing your school today  —with long-term benefits for everyone involved: 

1. Start With What You Have: Understand Your Data 

You can’t improve what you don’t measure. Start by looking at the information you already collect—like utility bills, usage patterns, and facility specs. 

Then take it a step further: 

• Consider an energy audit to understand energy usage and waste (Bonus: these are often free (!) or subsidized by your local utility). 

• Use this data to identify immediate low- or no-cost upgrades to address inefficiencies, and make strategic decisions about repairs, upgrades, or future projects.   

• Educate your team so they can help track progress and reinforce changes; find your champions on staff that are drawn to these opportunities to support their school community.  

  
  

Understanding your baseline helps you prioritize upgrades and secure funding when it’s time to make bigger moves. 

2. Make Simple, High-Impact Changes 

Not all upgrades require a big budget. Many schools have seen significant savings through behavioral and low-cost operational changes, like: 

• LED lighting upgrades and occupancy sensors (Hint: If you haven’t already done so, replace all lighting - incandescent productively use less than 20% of their energy, LEDs use 80% or more - this is a no brainer and there are often rebates available to cut the initial investment).  

• Power-down policies and Energy Star equipment (When it’s time to replace equipment, understand rebates available to you - often through your utility or state/county government). 

• Encouraging staff and students to adopt energy-saving habits. 

  
  

In fact, schools can cut energy use by up to 37% just by changing behavior with the energy we already use every day - like using smart surge protectors and turning down/off your vending machines over the weekend.   

3. Think Long-Term and Lead With Values 

Efficiency efforts shouldn’t stop at cost savings. They’re a chance to align your school’s infrastructure with its mission, values, and long-term vision. Ask yourself: 

• How do your facilities reflect your commitment to your community and its overall health? (e.g. investing in improved ventilation systems to improve indoor air quality for asthma sufferers).   

• Can you plan for future infrastructure upgrades now (e.g. when replacing or repairing your roof, ask the contractor for an estimate to make it solar ready).    

• Can you make modernization work for you? (e.g. Install EV charging stations in your lot. Access rebates and other incentives to install and charge a small fee for those who use it, creating not just a community benefit but another revenue source for the school.  

By modernizing our schools today, we’re not just upgrading buildings—we’re investing in healthier students and a brighter, more sustainable future for every learner.