Energy

Introduction

Challenging your school to curb energy use and use alternative energy sources is one of the best ways to cut greenhouse gas emissions, reduce air pollution and set a positive example for your students. According to Alliance to Save Energy, 80% of pollution comes from the production, consumption, and disposal of energy. Most of this energy comes from fossil fuels such as coal, oil, and natural gas, which all contribute to global warming through carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide, and other greenhouse gas emissions. These energy sources also add to general air pollution, causing respiratory problems by the emission of sulfur dioxide and the creation ozone, and causing neurological and developmental disorders by the emission of mercury. Besides emitting pollutants, fossil fuels are also finite resources, meaning that the supply of them will not last forever.

What if your school could reduce or eliminate its use of fossil fuels for energy? What if you and your students could take pride in being part of the solution?

The good news is that tackling the issue of energy in your school could save your school substantial money! Energy Star reports that it costs $6 billion a year for the energy to run America’s K-12 schools. That’s more than the money spent on textbook and computers combined!

Buckle your seatbelt and we’ll take you on a tour of how your school can save money by conserving energy or investing in an on-site renewable energy source, such as solar, wind, or geothermal. We’ll also help you gain a working knowledge about global warming, how energy works, and how various alternative energy sources work, including an analysis of controversial ones such as hydropower, biomass, nuclear power , coal with carbon dioxide sequestration and developing fusion technologies.

How much do we depend on fossil fuels?

Why is energy conservation & clean energy important?

How is this chapter organized?