It is very common for classrooms to have the heating on and windows and doors open for fresh air or cooling. This is a big waste of energy! The overall aim of our policy on closing classroom doors and windows is to save the school money spent on wasted energy. Turning off radiators first before you open windows and doors is really important. Wasted energy damages the environment, causing global warming and pollution. This policy will ensure that all school users are informed and able to act on maintaining optimal temperatures throughout the school.
We will:
● educate staff and pupils about not opening windows and doors when the radiators are on
● put signs on doors reminding to keep them closed
● appoint a team of pupils who have responsibility for checking that doors and windows are closed if the heating is on
Responsibilities and Monitoring
Each class will have an eco-monitor that will make sure that windows are doors are not left open.
The Eco Team will do spot checks throughout the week.
The Eco Team will report to the Site Manager, Pastoral Teacher and Headteacher about areas where doors and windows are being left open.
Activity description
It is very common for classrooms to have the heating on and windows and doors open for fresh air or cooling. This is a big waste of energy! Turning off radiators first before you open windows and doors is really important. Can you run a campaign to get everyone in the school to remember to always keep windows and doors closed when the heating is on? Remember you can reduce classroom temperatures using heating thermostats and boiler controls rather than opening doors and windows.
Things to consider when planning your campaign:
Who will have responsibility for closing doors and windows? Can both pupils and staff do this?
How will you promote your campaign? How will you let other classes know what they are supposed to be doing and why?
Who will monitor whether doors and windows are closed? Will you have class energy monitors or will your Energy or Eco-team do spot checks each day?
How will you record your findings?
How will you share with the rest of the school how well you are doing?
How will you reward good performance?
Remember: Getting the temperature right in the classroom is important; too hot and everyone falls asleep and doesn’t learn, too cold and we shiver, and must put extra jumpers on.
The best temperatures for schools are:
Normal classrooms: 18°C
Corridors: 15°C
Areas with high levels of activity (e.g. sports halls): 15°C
Areas with low levels of activity: 21°C
Special needs schools or areas with very young children: 21°C
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