In June 1998, DOE brought together architects, Department of Education officials, teachers, and representatives from businesses and associations to form a plan of action to improve school facilities. The result was Rebuild America's EnergySmart School Campaign, which will provide school decision makers with the information and guidance they need to make informed decisions about energy efficiency and renewable energy and recognize the successes of energy-smart schools. The campaign will help train facility managers and school business officials in energy screening, benchmarking, energy audits, procurement, contracting, and innovative financial strategies. The Rebuild America program works closely with other DOE community-based programs such as Million Solar Roofs, Clean Cities, and Energy Mentors to present a full spectrum of energy efficiency and renewable energy issues to schools across the country. Through this coordinated effort, DOE is committed to making our learning centers more energy efficient and less wasteful.
Schools can be models of learning and models of energy efficiency.
The Department of Energy's EnergySmart Schools campaign helps schools meet the ever-increasing demands for saving energy in retrofits and new construction with increasingly limited funds. On the campaign's web site , teachers can learn about interactive activities and materials and how to incorporate them into their classes. The Green Schools program helps K-12 schools across the country use energy efficiently through building retrofits, energy awareness, changes in operational and maintenance routines, and changes in the behavior of building users.