How to Reduce Carbon Footprint at School

The carbon footprint of an educational institution is an increasing concern in a world seeking solutions to mitigate climate change. While schools may seem to have a minimal impact, their energy consumption, student and teacher transportation, and use of materials contribute significantly to greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Reducing the carbon footprint in schools not only helps preserve the environment but also serves as an excellent opportunity to educate the next generation about the importance of sustainability.

In this article, we’ll explain concrete actions that schools can take to reduce their carbon footprint and how to involve the entire educational community in this important challenge.

What is the Carbon Footprint and Why Does It Matter?

The carbon footprint measures the emissions of CO2 and other greenhouse gases (GHG) generated by our daily activities. In the school environment, these emissions come from electricity consumption, heating, transportation, and waste, among others. By calculating and reducing these emissions, schools can significantly contribute to the fight against climate change.

According to the Ministry for the Ecological Transition and the Demographic Challenge (MITECO), every school, regardless of its size, has the potential to reduce its emissions through energy efficiency measures, promoting sustainable transportation, and proper waste management.

Measures to Reduce the Carbon Footprint in Schools

1. Energy Efficiency
   • Electricity consumption is often one of the main sources of CO₂ emissions in schools. Implementing energy efficiency measures can drastically reduce consumption and emissions:
     1. Replace fluorescent lighting with LED: This simple action can reduce electricity consumption by up to 30%. Additionally, LED bulbs last much longer, reducing the amount of waste generated.
     2. Efficient use of heating and ventilation: Use heating and air conditioning only when necessary, and in enclosed spaces, to maximize efficiency and reduce energy consumption.
     3. Turn off electronic devices: Ensure that computers, televisions, and other equipment are not left in “stand-by” mode when not in use.
2. Promote Sustainable Transportation
   • Transportation of students and teachers also contributes to the school’s carbon footprint. Encouraging sustainable mobility is essential:
     1. Encourage the use of bicycles and public transportation: Creating safe bike lanes or subsidizing public transportation for students can significantly reduce transport-related emissions.
     2. Promote carpooling: Sharing rides among teachers and parents reduces the number of vehicles on the road, and therefore, CO₂ emissions.
3. Recycling and Waste Reduction
   • Implementing recycling practices can reduce waste and raise environmental awareness:
     1. Set up recycling stations: Place bins for organic waste, plastics, and paper to help students become more conscious and reduce the amount of waste sent to landfills.
     2. Recycling campaigns: Engage the school community in paper and plastic recycling campaigns, which not only reduce waste but also educate on sustainable practices.
4. Responsible Use of Technology
   • While digitalization reduces paper use, it also has an environmental impact. Here’s how to manage it:
     1. Minimize the digital footprint: Data storage in servers generates CO₂. Teach students and teachers to efficiently manage their emails and digital files to reduce “digital clutter.”
     2. Promote responsible device use: Turning off electronic devices when not in use and avoiding excessive downloads and streaming also reduces digital emissions.

How to Calculate the Carbon Footprint of a School

The first step in reducing a school’s carbon footprint is to calculate it. This involves measuring emissions across three scopes:

1. Scope 1 (Direct Emissions): Includes direct emissions such as fuel combustion (e.g., heating systems or school vehicles).
2. Scope 2 (Electricity Use): Encompasses emissions from the electricity used in the school, typically generated by power plants.
3. Scope 3 (Indirect Emissions): Covers indirect emissions like transportation (e.g., commuting by students and staff) or the use of external services (e.g., waste disposal).

There are online tools, such as those offered by MITECO (Ministry for the Ecological Transition and the Demographic Challenge), to simplify the calculation of these emissions.

Steps to Calculate the Carbon Footprint:

1. Collect data: Gather information on electricity, gas, and other fuel consumption in the school.
2. Use tools: Input the data into tools like the MITECO carbon footprint calculator to obtain an estimated calculation.
3. Develop an action plan: Create a plan to reduce emissions in the key areas identified by the calculation.

Involving Students in Reducing the School’s Carbon Footprint

One of the keys to successfully reducing the school’s carbon footprint is the active participation of students:

1. Sustainability Projects: Integrating sustainability projects into the curriculum allows students to research, propose, and implement green initiatives.
2. Awareness Campaigns: Organizing themed days on recycling, energy saving, and sustainable mobility educates and motivates the entire school community.

Success Story: IES Miguel Hernández

An excellent example of reducing a school’s carbon footprint is IES Miguel Hernández in Murcia. The school has significantly reduced its electricity consumption by switching to LED bulbs and sourcing renewable energy for the entire campus. Additionally, they have engaged students through the “05050” project, which aims to reduce CO₂ emissions and water waste to zero.

Conclusion

Reducing the carbon footprint in schools is not only an important task but also a shared responsibility. By implementing energy efficiency measures, promoting sustainable transportation, and managing waste and technology properly, any educational institution can make a significant impact. In doing so, we are not only protecting the planet but also educating future generations about the importance of sustainability.

Would you like to measure your impact?Use our Carbon Footprint Calculator and discover how much you can reduce.