The new words School Eco-Response Team reflect the fact that SERT schools are engaging in a variety of environmentally responsible activities, including saving energy, recycling, teaching environmental awareness and good citizenship. Also connected with SERT strategies are many important building maintenance practices that enhance the school environment, such as replacing filters, cleaning light fixtures, and scheduling heating, cooling and lighting.
Schools change all the time.
They receive new portable classrooms, computers and other equipment, undergo renovations or gain additional space, and have constantly changing schedules for community use. All of these things change the yearly energy consumption of each school, and are extremely difficult to accurately track for so many schools in the MCPS system. While the old way of calculating energy savings has become obsolete, it is still important for you to continue your conservation efforts. The new SERT approach recognizes this and provides financial incentives to maintain your great efforts of the past, or become more active than you have been. There are also opportunities to participate in exciting new ways.