Energieke Scholen (Energizing Schools)

It’s easy for schools to sign an energy contract and then forget about it. The Energieke Scholen (Energising Schools) programme aims to seize this missed opportunity to reduce their energy consumption, while also raising awareness and improving the learning environment in primary schools in the Netherlands.

Offered by local Environmental Education Centres and Dutch NGO Gemeenten voor Duurzame Ontwikkeling the programme adapts to the needs of each school and involves children at every step. The modular whole-school approach combines practical classes on saving energy and sustainable energy production, collaborations with guest teachers and on-hands energy workshops to install solar panels. To extend the programme’s reach into the local community, parents are also involved.

Energy savings and healthier learning conditions

Based on learning by discovery, the programme makes pupils responsible for their school’s energy consumption and helps them make greener choices. The result? The schools use 5-10% less energy and produce their own renewable energy (solar/wind).

In addition to significant energy savings, the programme is also having a positive impact on learning conditions. Improving the air quality leads to improved learning performance and lower teacher absenteeism.

The NGO is looking to widen its impact with more participants, partners and exposure. Would you like to help them raise to the challenge?

Energiekescholen.nl