This document describes a course designed to acquaint students with the many societal and technological problems facing the United States and the world due to the increasing demand for energy. The course begins with a writing assignment that involves readings on the environmental philosophy of Native Americans and the Chernobyl catastrophe.…

This report analyzes survey data results of innovative ways Canadian school boards have cut costs in the last several years. In 1985, 213 questionnnaires were sent to school boards throughout the country; the 100 answers represent a response rate of 47 percent. Questions surveyed the areas of policy and planning, purchasing, sharing, human…

The Alabama Commission on Higher Education spent 3 years compiling and analyzing information on the consumption and costs of energy and other kinds of utilities by Alabama public colleges and universities. Usage and cost information is taken from each institution's quarterly utilities report. It is noted that interinstitutional comparisons can be…

The post-World War II era is commonly described as the age of oil. Petroleum has fueled the industrialization process and has helped to raise living standards around the globe. At the same time, the current era has been referred to as the age of efficiency. Since 1973, it is estimated that the world saved far more energy through improved…

The need for a more efficient use of energy is discussed. Described are energy-conservation strategies and technologies for increasing consumption efficiency. Social obstacles that potentially delay adoption of improvements are considered. (RT)

In recent years, colleges and universities have begun efforts to reduce their energy costs, an initiative that can not only save an institution money, but also strengthen relationships across campus. Board leadership has been central to this endeavor in setting goals, prioritizing projects, and financing those projects. Using her experiences with…

Energy performance contracting allows schools to pay for needed new energy equipment and modernization improvements with savings from reduced utility and maintenance costs. Improved energy efficiency reduces demand for burning fossil fuels, which reduces air pollution, leading to improved learning environments and budgets (through improved average…

This paper begins by examining the profound impact of energy usage on our lives, and on every major sector of the economy. Then, the anticipated US energy needs by the year 2025 are presented based on the Department of Energy's projections. The paper considers the much-touted National Energy Policy Report, and identifies a major flaw where the…

Concerned about the effect rising energy costs would have on their local affiliates, building consultants for national social welfare agencies have been advocating the initiation of energy management and conservation programs. This manual, a three-part educational and planning tool, is a key element in a program developed to help local agencies…

Interviews with school board members and administrators produced a list of suggestions for balancing a budget in hard times. Among these are changing calendars and schedules to reduce heating and cooling costs; sharing personnel; rescheduling some extracurricular activities; and forming cooperative agreements with other districts. (MLF)

Reports on increased amounts of financial assistance given to Laboratory Cooperative Science Centers, Energy Manpower Development Programs for teacher and student research, and minority institutions. Includes a table indicating programs mandated by Congress and the amount of support funds given. (RT)

As energy costs rise and resources dwindle, schools and universities can benefit greatly by taking an environmentally sensitive approach to construction, renovation and maintenance of facilities. Administrators free up needed budget resources by operating facilities more efficiently. Using sustainable-design strategies can set a good example for…

This paper examines the impending crisis of depletion of natural resources and explores the development of alternative resources for use. The topic of energy education needs to be included in the social studies curriculum. The program must focus around the following three principles: (1) the coming transition from fossil fuels to some other energy…

The school board establishes a commitment to efficient energy management through its policies and budget priorities. Such a policy should include a statement of purpose, assign accountability for improving energy efficiency, and ensure that mandated standards are maintained. To permanently prevent energy waste, a gradual change to a comprehensive…

Fans, motors, coils, and other control components enable a heating, ventilating, and air-conditioning (HVAC) system to function smoothly. An explanation of these control components and how they make school HVAC systems work is provided. Different systems may be compared by counting the number of controlled devices that are required. Control…