This summer, we joined forces with the Colorado Energy Office, Colorado Springs School District 11 and Renew Our Schools to teach youth about the importance of energy conservation – a topic that gained even more importance when families found themselves spending more time at home.
We provided more than 700 efficiency kits to students as part of the Renew Our Schools energy program, along with virtual electric safety presentations. Nine schools will share $60,000 to be used toward energy efficient improvements.
The efficiency kit includes one showerhead, one kitchen faucet aerator, one bathroom faucet aerator, two LED lightbulbs and toilet leak testing tablets. Families who install the items in their home can benefit from long-term savings in water, electricity and natural gas - leading to a sustainable future. The typical family savings on utility costs is estimated at around $157 a year.
"This program has enhanced student understanding of the importance of conservation and their ability to make an impact on D11’s future carbon footprint," said Joan Sousa, Colorado Springs School District 11 Community Partnerships and Classroom Enrichment Coordinator.
The Renew Our Schools program supports our Sustainable Energy Plan, Sustainable Water Plan and goals for environmental stewardship.
In April, 713 kits were distributed to students in D-11. The installation of the items in the efficiency kits achieved the following savings.
- 2,333,661 gallons of water/year (more than 55,500 bathtubs full).
- 16,433 KWs of electricity/year (enough to power 1.5 homes a year).
- 14,958 CCF of natural gas/year (more than 2,750 BBQ grill tanks).
