Minnesota Schools Cutting Carbon

Phase one – Model Classroom: As a project springboard, a selected room at Highland Park Senior High School will be altered in order to improve energy efficiency, thereby reducing the carbon footprint. Alterations will include an exchange of lower wattage and longer life light bulbs, window edge insulation with possible drapes to reduce winter heat loss. A custom-made heat deflector will be installed to redirect radiator heat, which rises to an unusual dead space in the room ceiling.

Students will be involved in the model classroom project. Energy savings through light bulb replacement will be estimated, based on wattage reduction. Yearly savings will be projected for the classroom. School-wide savings will then be estimated, based on number of classrooms. Energy-savings will be emphasized as a direct connection to reduced carbon footprint.

Phase two – Students in science classes will estimate their home energy savings based on the classroom model data. Classes will challenge each other to reduce the carbon footprints that they make in their own homes. Students can estimate this by purchasing lower wattage light bulbs at a discounted price from school. Other energy saving measures will also be encouraged. The total energy savings (and resulting carbon footprint reduction) will be calculated for all of the students’ homes in the city.

Phase three – Once the classroom challenge has been carried out smoothly, a school wide challenge between homerooms will be conducted. Similar calculations of energy savings and carbon reduction can be made for the entire school and its families.

Phase four – Highland Park students will advertise their results to other schools and community members throughout the city. By this time, an environmental club at the school will hopefully be started. This club can estimate the overall impact of their efforts to the community surrounding Highland Park, and continue to promote carbon reduction strategies.

The grant funds will be used to help purchase energy saving materials such as light bulbs and insulation. Student interest and involvement will help to determine the project’s success, as well as the projected and actual savings throughout the year.