Today's Energy Insight

Look for Opportunities to Save!

Winter break is just around the corner so here is your friendly reminder to look around before you leave the building for an extended amount of time. Be sure you have shut down, turned off or unplugged where possible in your area, office or classroom. Especially look for these:

Computer monitors and speakers
Smart boards and projectors
Copiers and printers
TVs, DVD players and display monitors
A / V equipment
Electronic equipment in Science Labs and Art Rooms
Equipment in Industrial Tech / Auto Shop
Phone chargers
Don't forget to close window blinds too!

Wishing the RAS District and beyond
Happy Holidays and an Efficient New Year!

Today's Energy Insight

Myth Busting!

A common misconception about saving energy is that leaving lights, computers, and other electric appliances turned on when you are not going to be away for very long is a good idea. Switching them on and off all the time wears them out more quickly, and also produces sudden power spikes that negate any supposed energy savings.

If there were ever any legitimacy to this idea, there isn’t anymore. Switching sophisticated modern appliances and electrical devices on and off frequently will not reduce their life span, and any power surges that might occur are likely to be minuscule. The bottom line is that if you aren’t using an electrical device, it should be turned off; period, case closed.

Today's Energy Insight

"Sustainable development is development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs."

~ Gro Harlem Brundtland

Who is Gro Harlem Brundtland?

She was the first female Prime Minister of Norway and is widely regarded as the “mother” of sustainable development. A physician as well as an international leader in sustainable development and public health, Dr. Brundtland chaired the World Commission on Environment and Development — the Brundtland Commission — which defined the term “sustainable development” in its landmark report, “Our Common Future.” The commission’s recommendations provided the momentum for the United Nations Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro in 1992.

Today's Energy Insight

YOU Make a Difference!

"You cannot get through a single day without having an impact on the world around you. What you do makes a difference, and you have to decide what kind of difference you want to make."

- Jane Goodall

To the Students and Staff of our district ~

A World of Thanks to You for Making a Difference in 2017!

Today's Energy Insight

How to Save Energy with Holiday Lighting

• Use Fiber Optic Decorations Fiber optics are the ultimate in energy efficiency. In most cases, they use a single light bulb.
• Switch to LED Light Strands and Decorations LED lights use 90% less electricity than regular holiday lights
• Limit the Time Lights are On Wait until dark to turn on your lights. Six hours or less a day is a good goal. Have trouble remembering to turn them off? Set a timer.
• Turn Off Room Lights When the Tree is On The lights on your tree should provide more than enough lighting to navigate around the room.
• Decorate with Candles Set up luminaries or ice candle holders outside. Lit candles throughout your home achieve a beautiful glow without adding to your electric bill. Just remember, SAFETY FIRST when it comes to decorating with candlelight.

Thankful

Just a simple note of thanks to YOU, the wonderful staff and students in the Robbinsdale Area School District: THANK YOU for being thoughtful about your energy use and saving energy whenever possible. All your efforts add up to make a huge difference!

Wishing you a Happy, Safe and Efficient Thanksgiving!

Today's Energy Insight

Let's Talk Turkey Energy Efficiency!
Here are the top 7 ways to save energy on Thanksgiving:

1. Keep the over door closed so heat does not escape causing the oven to use more energy to maintain its temperature.
2. Match your pots to the burner size and use lids when possible.
3. Bake several dishes at the same time when at the same temp to cut down in overall baking time.
4. Use glass or ceramic pans to lower the oven temp by 25 degrees and still bake in the same amount of time.
5. Turn down your thermostat because baking, cooking and extra people help to heat up your home.
6. Use your microwave; it uses much less energy and cooking time is much shorter.
7. Use your dishwasher; it uses less water than hand-washing dishes.