Every year, students across Manitoba take part in Generation E’s School Energy Review, an investigation that invites them to examine how energy is used in their own school buildings. Working in teams, students measure, observe, and analyze systems such as lighting, heating, appliances, windows, and water use.

When students take a closer look at how their school operates, meaningful patterns emerge. This year’s reviews revealed several common themes across Manitoba schools and highlighted practical opportunities to improve energy efficiency.

LIGHTING: EFFICIENT TECHNOLOGY AND EVERYDAY HABITS

Many schools reported that they upgraded their lighting systems to more energy-efficient LED lighting. In some newer buildings, additional features such as occupancy sensors automatically turn lights on when a room is in use and off when it is empty. These upgrades help reduce unnecessary electricity use.

At the same time, students noticed that lighting habits still played an important role. One of the most common recommendations across schools was to make better use of natural daylight. In many classrooms, blinds remained closed even when sunlight could easily illuminate the space. Opening blinds and using natural light during the day can reduce the need for artificial lighting and improve overall energy efficiency.

HEATING AND COOLING: WHEN CLASSROOMS RUN TOO WARM

Students also examined heating patterns throughout their school. Across many classrooms, temperatures were found to be several degrees warmer than the thermostat setting; reaching temperatures as high as 25.5 °C in the winter months. This increase often results from body heat, electronic devices, and sunlight entering through windows.

These observations helped students understand how everyday conditions influenced heating systems. A common recommendation was to adjust thermostat settings to account for these additional heat sources so that classrooms remain comfortable without using unnecessary energy.

WATER AND WINDOWS: INFRASTRUCTURE THAT MATTERS

School buildings across Manitoba vary widely in age, and students noticed this directly in the findings. Many bathrooms have been upgraded with water-efficient faucets, which help reduce water use. However, some areas such as locker room showers were noted as spaces where upgrades could still improve efficiency.

Students also observed that older or leaky windows remain a challenge in many schools. Drafts and heat loss can make it harder to maintain consistent indoor temperatures. Newer buildings with upgraded windows demonstrated how improved building envelopes can support better energy performance.

ELECTRONICS AND APPLIANCES: THE HIDDEN ENERGY USE

Another area students explored was the use of electronics and appliances throughout the school. In many cases, devices remained plugged in throughout the day even when they were not in use. Power bars were frequently left on, and appliances such as older coffee machines continued heating throughout the day.

Students also learned about phantom power, which is electricity consumed by devices even when they are turned off. Appliances with digital displays, clocks, or indicator lights can continue drawing power unless they are unplugged. Identifying these small but consistent sources of energy use helped students understand how everyday habits contributed to overall consumption.

EFFICIENT BUILDINGS STILL REQUIRE AWARENESS

One important lesson from this year’s reviews is that installing energy-efficient technology does not automatically guarantee energy savings. In several schools, students observed that systems designed to improve efficiency were not always operating as intended.

For example, some schools reported that temperature and lighting controls were managed remotely outside the province. This meant that classroom staff had limited ability to adjust settings when conditions changed. In a few cases, classrooms became excessively warm, with teachers using fans in the middle of January because thermostats could not be adjusted locally. Students also noted situations where lights remained on in bright classrooms because the lighting system could not be turned off.

Water stations revealed similar challenges. In some schools, bottle-filling stations and drinking fountains were equipped with motion sensors intended to conserve water and improve accessibility. However, when sensors were positioned poorly, the drinking fountain activated while students were filling water bottles, sending water directly down the drain.

Students recognized that energy-efficient infrastructure works best when it is paired with awareness and thoughtful use. Technology can support efficiency, but people still play an essential role in noticing when systems are not working as intended and identifying opportunities for improvement.

Through the School Energy Review, students learned that saving energy is not only about upgrading equipment. It also involves paying attention to how buildings operate and how everyday choices influence energy use.

WE COULDN’T DO IT WITHOUT YOU

We would like to thank all the teachers, students, and school staff who participated in this year’s School Energy Review. Your curiosity, careful observations, and thoughtful recommendations help bring energy learning to life while supporting more efficient school environments across Manitoba. We are grateful for the time and enthusiasm you brought to this work.

We look forward to conducting even more School Energy Reviews during the 2026 to 2027 school year. Until then, we wish everyone a restful and enjoyable summer break.