1. We first spoke with our caretaker to see if our school already had LED bulbs. Our school had a range of different types of bulbs, and our caretaker was able to show us the different types and helped us to recognise them. They also walked around with us as we conducted our audit.
2. We counted the number of lights in each classroom, corridor, and other areas in our school. We recorded what we found in the recording sheet. We found that in some instances, we couldn't see the bulb as it was hidden behind a panel. We tried to give each type of light we found a category. We noted the different sorts of lights we could find and identified any that needed to be left on all the time.
3. We also attempted to answer some lighting questions. We identified how many light bulbs in our school needed to be upgraded to LEDs. We calculated how much energy these lights used during a school year, considering how many hours a day they were left on and how many days a year the school was used.
We also calculated how much energy the school would save if all of these bulbs were upgraded and how much money that would save. We wrote a letter to our head teacher and local authority to explain what we found.
We realized how much difference it makes to energy consumption, how many hours a day lights are left on. We also found out how much it would cost to replace inefficient bulbs, and how long it would take to pay that investment back with energy savings.
We learnt about different types of bulbs, and even identified which bulbs we were using at home. Overall, it was an enlightening activity that made us more aware of our energy consumption.
Activity description
Energy efficient lighting helps to lower the school’s energy bills and carbon dioxide emissions. Each light bulb might only use a small amount of energy, but a school will have a number of light bulbs in every classroom, corridor or hall - there will even be lights outside!
Newer LED (or Light Emitting Diode) light bulbs use up to 90% less energy than traditional incandescent light bulbs - which were invented over 100 years ago! Older bulbs waste a lot of electricity as heat - the bulbs get very hot while they are on. They also tend not to last as long as LED bulbs, so it can cost a lot of money to replace them.
1. Speak with your caretaker first to see if your school already has LED bulbs. If your school has a range of different types of bulbs, your caretaker might be able to show you the different types and help you to recognise them. Or they might be able to walk around with you as you do your audit.
2. Count the number of lights in each classroom, corridor or other areas in your school. Record what you find in the recording sheet. You might not be able to see the bulb, it might be hidden behind a panel, try to give each type of light you find a category. What other sorts of lights can you find? Are there any which need to be left on all the time? You can use our recording sheet or make your own.
3. Why not try to answer some of our lighting questions below. Our printable worksheet might help you set out your work.
Can you identify how many light bulbs in your school need to be upgraded to LEDs?
Can you work out how much energy these lights use during a school year?
Think about how many hours a day they are left on and how many days a year the school is used.
Can you work out how much energy the school would save if all of these bulbs were upgraded and how much money that would save?
Write a letter to your head teacher or local authority to explain what you have found
Think about how much difference it makes to energy consumption, how many hours a day lights are left on.
Can you find out how much it would cost to replace inefficient bulbs, and how long it would take to pay that investment back with energy savings.
Find out about different types of bulbs, which bulbs are you using at home?
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