Investigations of energy and its sustainable use can be undertaken within the context of science, technology and geography. Energy audits are a valuable tool and use skills in working scientifically and working mathematically.

Energy audits

There are three types of energy audits typically used by schools to assess their current situation – analysing energy bills, auditing of appliances and recording daily energy use. Download the Guide to conducting a school energy audit – Stages 2 to 5 (DOCX 157.5KB).

Energy consumption

Use the school’s energy bills to analyse the school’s energy use. Identify baseline consumption and seasonal patterns of energy use.

Schools with solar panels can use the WebGraphs tool which monitors school electricity use and solar generation.

Auditing of appliances

Use an energy audit tool to calculate CO₂ emissions and the amount of electricity used by appliances. Develop suggestions to reduce energy use per appliance and look at infrastructure improvements.

Daily measurements

Take single or multiple measurements throughout the day using online tools or the electricity meter. Identify patterns of use during a normal school day. Make assessments of the activities in a school that consume energy. Develop strategies and propose new procedures that may reduce energy consumption.

Schools with solar panels can use the Sunny Portal which reports on solar generation. All schools can use the WebGraphs tool which monitors school electricity use as well as solar generation.

Take action

Contribute to a sustainable future by taking actions to reduce or minimise energy use and promote the use of renewable energy sources.

National solar schools program – Coogee Public School (02:17 min) reports on the school's energy efficiency and sustainability initiatives.

Syllabus content

Energy audits provide opportunities for students to work mathematically in collecting, analysing and representing data.

Students use literacy skills in interviewing, collaborating and communicating proposed energy efficiency strategies.

Investigations into energy forms and sources uses working scientifically skills in support of the Science and Technology K-6 Syllabus and Science 7-10 Syllabus in:

• Stage 1 Earth and space – conservation of Earth’s resources
• Stage 2 Physical world – energy makes things happen
• Stage 3 Physical world – transfer and transformation of energy, forces of energy in products and systems
• Stage 4 Physical world – efficiency of energy conversions
• Stage 4 Earth and space – how scientific understanding influences choices
• Stage 5 Earth and space – use of scientific knowledge.

The design and production of energy efficient solutions can support the technology context of engineered systems in the Technology Mandatory 7-8 Syllabus.

Investigations into environmental changes relating to energy production can be undertaken as part of investigations in the Geography K-10 Syllabus in:

• Stage 2 The Earth’s environment – significance of environments; protection of environments
• Stage 3 Factors that shape places – factors that change environments
• Stage 5 Environmental change and management – environmental change.