Energy is often a school’s second-biggest operating expense after staffing. By choosing sustainable best practices, private schools can reduce operating costs, extend the life of critical equipment, and create a more comfortable learning environment for students and staff.
Supporting Learning Environments
High-efficiency HVAC systems do more than keep temperatures steady throughout the day. They also improve indoor air quality by bringing in more fresh outdoor air, which reduces the stuffiness that makes it hard to concentrate. These modern systems can even filter airborne viruses, reducing illness-related absences.
In addition to HVAC upgrades, lighting improvements can significantly affect both energy use and student performance. LEDs maintain brightness and color, so classrooms stay adequately lit, reducing potential eye strain and helping students stay focused on their studies. They also produce less heat, keeping educational spaces more comfortable. Pairing LEDs with controls like dimmers lets teachers adjust brightness for different activities, such as presentations or lab work. LEDs also last significantly longer than traditional bulbs, reducing maintenance needs.
Upgrading facilities with efficient equipment can turn the entire campus into a hands-on learning opportunity. Instead of reading about sustainability, students can actively see it happening around them. Equipment such as LED lighting, HVAC controls, and energy management systems provide real-world examples that connect to classroom lessons about science, technology, and math. At the same time, these changes also reduce a school’s carbon footprint and demonstrate a commitment to responsible energy use within the community.
Success Story: Blessed Sacrament Catholic Parish
Blessed Sacrament Catholic Parish in Madison has five buildings, with its pre‑K through 8th grade school using the most energy. Many of the buildings were built in the 1920s, and the parish has spent more than $100,000 each year on energy. The Buildings and Grounds Committee knew they needed a long‑term plan. Inspired by fiscal responsibility and Pope Francis’ call for “care of creation,” they partnered with FOCUS ON ENERGY® to update their systems and reduce costs.
Blessed Sacrament completed projects that would have the greatest impact:
Mechanical Efficiency Upgrades
Repaired steam traps.
Installed high-efficiency hot water boilers.
Added variable frequency drives to hot and chilled water pumps.
HVAC Replacements
Updated the older screw compressor chiller with a high-efficiency scroll compressor chiller.
Replaced old furnaces and air conditioning systems.
Installed heat pump water heater.
Classroom Enhancements
Switched out classroom and hallway lighting for LEDs.
Improved classroom airflow by recommissioning ventilators.
Additionally, they installed a new solar array that provides 12%-13% of the parish’s annual electricity, supported by rebates, Solar for Good grants, and federal tax credits.
As a result, Blessed Sacrament saw major energy savings. Electricity use went down by 35%, and natural gas use dropped by 16%. Blessed Sacrament now saves more than $21,000 each year, which is about the same as the electricity used by 24 homes in one year. Staff and students report classrooms are brighter and more comfortable. The parish is already planning more improvements, like adding lighting controls and occupancy sensors.
Find Your Energy Efficiency Opportunities
Schools can explore similar opportunities with Focus on Energy, including lighting, heating and cooling, building controls, and renewable energy. Use the Energy Efficiency Checklist to identify your best starting points. Financial rebates make upgrades more affordable, so schools can maximize their budgets while managing older equipment and rising costs.
Wee Care Child Center knows a lot about families. This family-run Waupun business has been helping the next generation of Wisconsinites for more than 35 years.
Thousands of local youth are charting brighter futures thanks to the quality care at Badgerland After School Enrichment Program (BASE) Fort Atkinson. For two decades, the nonprofit has provided supportive programs to kids after school and during summers.
Over the last two years, Altoona has emerged as a model showing smaller municipalities how to take meaningful steps in energy efficiency by combining a clear vision, thoughtful planning, and powerful partnerships.
