Previous blogs outline the tools, resources, and financial incentives Wisconsin K-12 Energy Education Program (KEEP) and FOCUS ON ENERGY® provide during the Renew Our Schools energy competition. However, a successful school energy challenge will also need the support of these three school groups.

Facility Manager/IT Staff – This group is critical in behind-the-scenes preparation. The facility manager will complete a building questionnaire, provide historical utility data, submit electrical one-line drawings, and oversee the installation of the eGauge monitor. IT personnel will coordinate the hardwired ethernet connection and ensure readings are recorded.

Administration - Administrative staff will take care of the paperwork. This includes completing a Memo of Understanding with Renew Our Schools, spearheading the creation of an energy policy, and providing support for the competition.

Teachers/Students – This group is the boots on the ground. Teachers will create a school energy team, integrate the challenge into lesson plans, and raise awareness for the challenge. Students are responsible for achieving school energy actions, logging results, and championing school-wide energy initiatives.

These three groups working together can create long-lasting change in a school community. If you are interested in increasing the teamwork and sustainability of your school, consider enrolling in the Renew Our Schools Competition. Visit focusonenergy.com/programs/k-12-schools to learn more and fill out an interest form. Applications for the upcoming fall competition, scheduled for October 2 to November 11, 2022, will be accepted until March 31, 2022.