Skip to content
Find Trane Rep

Sustainability in Schools: Transform Your District for a Better Tomorrow

How to save energy in schools and build energy efficient learning spaces with practical strategies for minimizing energy, costs, and carbon emissions.

Overview

Mission-focused solutions for K-12 success.

Districts face rising costs and aging infrastructure, making energy conservation in schools essential. With custom energy solutions for K-12 schools, you can save energy and reduce carbon footprints.

Get started today

  1. Critical Needs Assessment and Custom Solutions

    We start with a comprehensive assessment to identify and prioritize your district’s most urgent needs. Our tailored energy and infrastructure solutions are designed specifically for K-12 environments, addressing challenges such as aging facilities, inadequate HVAC systems, and rising energy costs.

  2. Expert Guidance for Energy Savings and Facility Improvements

    Our industry experts provide guidance in improved energy conservation in schools and recommend upgrades that create enhanced learning environments. Every improvement is aligned with district goals and community priorities to ensure a lasting impact on student achievement.

  3. Integrated Support for Operations and Sustainability

    We help simplify facility operations with streamlined management systems and efficient procurement. These solutions cut utility costs, free up resources for alternative priorities, and promote sustainability in schools. 

  4. Hands-On STEM Learning Opportunities for Students

    Our approach integrates advanced building technologies and sustainability practices into the curriculum, making the school environment itself a platform for experiential learning. Students can participate in real-world, hands-on STEM projects related to building systems and energy management.

Solutions & Services

We help empower districts with smart, goal-aligned energy initiatives.

Trane helps K-12 address their unique challenges by aligning with goals for student success, sustainability, and energy efficiency.

  1. Integrated Energy Solutions

    Transform your district with integrated energy, infrastructure, and sustainability solutions tailored for energy efficient schools. We help reduce emissions, enhance building performance, and improve facility operation, creating long-term value across your school’s lifecycle.

  2. Funding & Incentive Solutions for Your District’s Goals

    Securing funding and accessing rebates for school projects can be complex. Our experts help K-12 districts identify and navigate options, making it easier to secure resources and achieve energy efficient schools and sustainability goals.

  3. Future-Ready Building Services

    Keep your school running smoothly with proactive building services designed for K-12. Our local experts use proven technology to maintain energy efficient schools by addressing issues before they arise. We tailor solutions to your district’s needs, helping you create resilient, future-ready learning environments for students and staff.

  4. Smart Technology for Energy Efficient Learning Environments

    Utilize intuitive controls and advanced analytics to increase energy conservation in schools. Real-time dashboards give you visibility into building performance, uncovering opportunities to save energy and boost productivity. Our holistic approach transforms school facilities into strategic assets for long-term success by helping you manage costs, energy use, and sustainability.

  5. Holistic IEQ Solutions

    Trane’s indoor environmental quality solutions take a comprehensive approach to improving indoor air quality, lighting, acoustics, and comfort. Backed by expert guidance and advanced technology, Trane creates improved, more comfortable learning environments that support student and staff well-being and enhance building performance.

  6. Upgrading Schools with Advanced Equipment Solutions

    Trane’s advanced equipment solutions integrate seamlessly to help schools address deferred maintenance, upgrade aging infrastructure, and boost resilience. Our solutions enhance school value and create smart, efficient environments that support exceptional experiences for students and staff—while delivering long-term operational and financial benefits for school administrators and facilities teams.

Highlights

K-12 Impact

Empowering Students for Future Careers Through Hands-On STEM Education

We empower schools with innovative tools designed to support student success. Our programs can turn buildings into experiential learning environments, engage students in STEM learning, and offer career readiness through industry-related certifications.

Smarter School Procurement with OMNIA Cooperative Purchasing

Lengthy timelines, budget pressures, and complex processes can delay energy efficient school improvements. OMNIA simplifies procurement, providing a compliant, efficient path to the solutions you need.

This Educational Life Podcast

Dive into This Educational Life, where we uncover how districts are turning buildings into learning tools. Discover thought-provoking stories from educational leaders who are transforming facilities with sustainable, energy efficient schools that save money and create improved environments for students.

Customer Stories

Learn how Trane helped other customers in K-12 schools & districts.

Explore more

Resources & Insights

Insights from our K-12 experts.

FAQs

Your school sustainability questions, answered.

Districts can improve sustainability in schools through a variety of actions aimed at reducing environmental impact, saving resources, and promoting sustainable practices among staff and students. Schools should work with sustainability experts and professionals to assess current practices and develop effective, tailored strategies. Here are some practical ways schools can become more sustainable:

  • Energy efficiency
  • Water conservation
  • Waste reduction
  • Sustainable transportation
  • Green procurement
  • Environmental education
  • Building & grounds infrastructure
  • Community engagement
  • Monitor and report progress

Districts can create energy efficient schools through a combination of facility upgrades, behavioral changes, and strategic planning. To maximize results, it is highly recommended to partner with energy services professionals or consultants. Key strategies include:

  • Upgrade lighting 
  • Optimize heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC)
  • Invest in energy-saving equipment
  • Improve building envelope 
  • Implement renewable energy solutions
  • Community engagement
  • Maintenance & scheduling

District leaders can save energy in schools by implementing changes such as switching to LED lighting, optimizing HVAC systems with programmable thermostats, and improving insulation to prevent energy loss. For best results, districts should consult with qualified energy experts to evaluate current energy use and identify the most appropriate measures. Encouraging staff and students to turn off lights and equipment when not in use, upgrading to ENERGY STAR® appliances, and monitoring energy consumption also help lower usage. Implementing these ways to save energy in schools, with the help of professionals, not only saves money but also supports a healthier environment.

The biggest energy users in schools are typically:

  • HVAC: These systems consume the most energy, accounting for a significant portion of utility costs, especially in climates with extreme temperatures.
  • Lighting: Classrooms, hallways, gyms, and exterior lights are used for long periods and add up to a substantial share of total energy use.
  • Office and Classroom Equipment: Computers, projectors, printers, and kitchen appliances also draw considerable energy, especially when left on or in standby mode.
  • Water Heating: Water heaters for restrooms, cafeterias, and locker rooms consume energy, particularly in larger schools.
  • Kitchen and Cafeteria Equipment: Ovens, refrigerators, and dishwashers use considerable amounts of electricity.

Energy is often wasted in schools by leaving lights on in empty rooms, inefficiently operating HVAC systems, and running outdated appliances. Poor insulation and gaps around windows and doors lead to energy loss, while devices left plugged in or on standby also consume unnecessary power. Water leaks, excessive use of hot water, and lack of energy awareness among staff and students further contribute to wasted energy. To accurately identify and address sources of energy waste, schools should conduct energy audits with certified professionals.

Schools can improve indoor air quality by maintaining HVAC systems, increasing ventilation, using air purifiers, preventing mold, and choosing low-emission cleaning and building materials. For effective implementation, districts should collaborate with indoor air quality experts to assess current conditions and develop improvement plans.

Connect with an expert