Whole school communities can play a key role in reducing the school’s carbon footprint, by taking actions that can shrink their carbon footprints. Schools can take a systems-thinking approach to engage in evidence-based science investigations in efforts to reduce their overall carbon footprint that focuses on resiliency and embeds collaboration, creativity and innovation.

Instructions: In order to calculate your Electricity Emissions Factor, you'll first need to decide which energy mix you will use, the national average or your state's energy mix.

 »To enter your own state's energy mix, go to eia.gov/state/
   1. Click on your state.
   2. Scroll down under the Quick Facts. Click on the tab labeled, Electricity.
   3. Input your energy data into the appropriate spaces below.

INPUT UTILITY INFORMATION HERE:

Across the United States, school districts spend more than $7.5 billion a year on energy. In many municipalities, schools are the largest energy consumer. But up to 30 percent of that energy is used inefficiently or unnecessarily. Look at how energy is used at school and consider actions to reduce energy use and the school's carbon footprint. One strategy to reduce energy use is simple behavior change - turn off the lights - use natural light when possible, unplug devices and get rid of personal classroom appliances, such as coffee makers, microwaves, and mini-refrigerators.

Instructions: Use the results from the worksheet titled, Carbon Calculator: School Lighting, Energy Vampires, and Other Appliances to enter data into the next three tabs. Data entered below should be the summation of all rooms assessed.

Across the United States, school districts spend more than $7.5 billion a year on energy. In many municipalities, schools are the largest energy consumer. But up to 30 percent of that energy is used inefficiently or unnecessarily. Look at how energy is used at school and consider actions to reduce energy use and the school's carbon footprint. One strategy to reduce energy use is simple behavior change - turn off the lights - use natural light when possible, unplug devices and get rid of personal classroom appliances, such as coffee makers, microwaves, and mini-refrigerators.

Instructions: Use the results from the worksheet titled, Carbon Calculator: School Lighting, Energy Vampires, and Other Appliances to enter data into the next three tabs. Data entered below should be the summation of all rooms assessed.

Across the United States, school districts spend more than $7.5 billion a year on energy. In many municipalities, schools are the largest energy consumer. But up to 30 percent of that energy is used inefficiently or unnecessarily. Look at how energy is used at school and consider actions to reduce energy use and the school's carbon footprint. One strategy to reduce energy use is simple behavior change - turn off the lights - use natural light when possible, unplug devices and reduce the number of personal classroom appliances, such as coffee makers, microwaves, and mini-refrigerators.

Instructions: Use the results from the worksheet titled, Carbon Calculator: School Lighting, Energy Vampires, and Other Appliances to enter data into the next three tabs. Data entered below should be the summation of all rooms assessed.

Travel varies according to where we live and where we need to go. Every mode of transportation has an impact on an individual’s health, community, and the environment. Often our modes of transportation rely heavily on methods that contribute to significant amounts carbon dioxide (CO₂). Take a look at how the school community travels to and from school, by bus, driving or being driven, walking or riding a bike. One strategy to use is to promote and communicate alternatives forms of transportation and safe routes to school.

Data entered below should be the summation the data collected from participating students and staff. Input the data below collected from your worksheet, Carbon Calculator: Transportation.

Note: Riding the bus is a climate-friendlier action than driving alone or carpooling. At this time there is no conclusive data for school bus contributions to CO₂ emissions and is the reason we have chosen not to include school buses as a transportation option.

Instructions: Americans make up roughly 5% of the world’s population, but generate nearly 40% of the world’s total waste and on a daily basis, the United States produces enough trash to fill 63,000 garbage trucks. Enter data below to determine how many pounds of CO₂ is generated from the trash thrown away at school. Use the worksheet titled, Carbon Calculator: Classroom Trash to gather all data, whether it is from one classroom, grade level, floor or entire school. Enter the sum of all the data below.

Instructions: The process by which paper makes it to school for student and staff contributes to a school's carbon footprint. One ream of paper contains 500 sheets and it is estimated that the average teacher uses 50 reams of paper in one school year. Enter the data below to determine CO₂ emissions from paper use. Consider the following strategies to reduce the amount of paper the school uses. Change the default setting on your printer to print double-sided, ask yourself before you print, "Does this really need to be printed?", and investigate a paper-less policy (many districts are looking at this as a way to save money). Use the worksheet titled, Carbon Calculator: School Paper to gather all data, whether it is from one classroom, grade level, floor or entire school.

Data entered below should be the summation of data collected from all rooms assessed. Input the data below, found in the worksheet titled, Carbon Calculator. School Solid Waste - Trash, Paper, Plastics, and Cups.