Reducing your school’s carbon footprint begins by identifying what is causing it. A carbon audit is a tool to help you determine the environmental impact of your school’s every day actions; it also serves as the base for large scale changes that are data oriented. Here is an 8 step guide for high school students looking to get involved.
1. Assemble an Audit Team.
Gather together a group of dedicated students, teachers, and staff that are into sustainability. For each role in the group data collector, record keeper, report writer put forward a volunteer. What you will find is that a diverse team will cover all aspects of what the school does and also get various groups on board.
2. Determine the parameters.
Energy use which includes electricity, heating, cooling, transport which covers buses, staff and student commutes, waste which is of the trash, recycling, and compost variety, water use and food services which we will look at cafeteria meals and food waste. Also as you grow into this report you can add more data points.
3. Gather Data.
Gather up utility bills, transportation logs, waste records, and cafeteria reports for a full school year. Also put out a survey to students and staff which will cover commutes, lunch choices and recycling. The more accurate we are with our data the more value your audit will add.
4. Determine Emissions.
Use resources like the EPA’s Carbon Footprint Calculator and CoolClimate Network’s tools which are designed for schools. Input your information for each category to determine total greenhouse gas emissions which are presented in metric tons of CO2 equivalent.
5. Review Results.
Break down your school’s carbon footprint by category which will help to identify the main sources of emissions. Do we have a greater issue with electricity, transport, or food waste? Present your results to your audit team and school community to spread awareness.
6. Set Objectives and Proffer Solutions.
Based on what we have found, set out realistic goals for reducing emissions. Put forth practical solutions like getting LED lights, carpool and bike options, a food composting program, or out with single use plastics in the cafeteria. Also which we can do that also has a large scale impact.
7. Report Out Your Results.
Create a professional and easy to read report which will go out to the school administration, student body, and local community. Include in that which type of visual aid will help present your data in the best way, think charts, graphs, infographics. Also put in there which are the main results of the study, what are the main goals going forward, and what do you recommend.
8. Track Results and Do Again.
A carbon audit is an ongoing effort which you should repeat yearly to track progress, celebrate success, and adjust strategies as needed. Also report out to your school community with updates which will keep everyone motivated and involved.
Through a carbon footprint audit your school will see improvement in sustainability also you will develop great skills in research, team work and environmental leadership.
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With its independent research projects and mentors’ tailored guidance to each student, RISE Research allows for your work to lead to recognized publications, and to an academic profile that is conference-ready. There are flexible program dates and opportunities for ambitious students to apply all year, and family can travel anywhere in the world. If you want to learn more, to determine eligibility, costs and how to get involved, be sure to visit RISE Research’s official website and take your college prep experience to the next level!
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