Overview
Resource Central is a Colorado-based nonprofit dedicated to making conservation simple for communities through innovative programs in water, waste, and energy efficiency. Within Resource Central, the Renew Our Schools program combines STEM education with sustainability by engaging students in hands-on energy reduction competitions. Since its founding, the program has reached more than 450 schools and half a million students nationwide.
At the heart of this effort is real-time energy monitoring powered by eGauge Systems, which helps transform abstract energy concepts into tangible, measurable actions for students and schools.
Challenge
Most schools lack access to real-time energy data. Traditional dashboards are designed for facilities managers, not students or teachers. Without engaging, usable data, it’s difficult for students to understand the impact of energy use—or how their behavior can directly reduce waste.
Renew Our Schools needed a solution that could:
- Deliver accurate, real-time energy data.
- Provide a student-friendly dashboard for inquiry-based learning.
- Support project-based competitions across diverse school districts.
Solution: eGauge Systems
After evaluating several platforms, Resource Central selected eGauge Systems for its unique combination of accuracy, accessibility, and educational potential.
Key features that stood out:
- Live, granular data available down to the minute.
- Intuitive dashboards that students can use.
- Customizable views for student projects and class lessons.
According to Krista Krisl, Program Coordinator:
“The live energy draw graph is incredibly engaging. Students can see the impact of turning off devices or unplugging equipment in real time.”
Implementation
While installation requires some coordination with school facilities teams, eGauge proved easy to set up and run. Teachers receive simple guides and video tutorials, and most classrooms are using eGauge effectively within one session.
Results
Student Engagement & Education
- Students act as “real-world energy managers,” learning to identify inefficiencies and track building behaviors.
- eGauge provides immediate feedback, reinforcing behavioral changes like switching off lights or reducing HVAC use.
- Data supports STEM education, environmental clubs, and district sustainability goals.
Energy Savings & Impact
- Schools participating in Renew Our Schools have cut energy usage by 5–15% during competition cycles—often without capital improvements.
- In one Colorado school, students identified excessive nighttime usage from vending machines and idle equipment, reducing after-hours consumption by over 15%.
- A student-led “Lights Out” campaign, tracked through eGauge, demonstrated measurable daytime savings.
Long-Term Value
- Districts use eGauge data to justify infrastructure upgrades like LED retrofits or solar.
- Many schools recover the cost of the device within 12–18 months through savings.
- The program has scaled nationally thanks to eGauge’s ability to provide credible, real-time reporting to schools and funders.
The ROI
- Financial: Thousands of dollars saved per semester through reduced energy usage.
- Educational: Students gain practical skills in sustainability, teamwork, and data analysis.
- Programmatic: Renew Our Schools can prove measurable, student-driven impact—something monthly utility bills alone could not achieve.
Customer Experience
Krista praised eGauge’s responsiveness and support, noting their willingness to help schools navigate unique installation challenges.
“Without eGauge, we’d be relying on monthly utility bills and delayed data. This real-time visibility has been essential to our program’s growth and credibility.”
Looking Ahead
Resource Central plans to expand Renew Our Schools into semester-long competitions, deepening student engagement while continuing to rely on eGauge as the backbone of the program’s data tracking and reporting.
Conclusion
By integrating eGauge Systems into its Renew Our Schools program, Resource Central has turned energy monitoring into an educational, engaging, and impactful tool. Students see the direct results of their actions, schools save money, and communities take measurable steps toward sustainability.
eGauge balances technology with classroom usability—a rare combination. It’s been a cornerstone of our success.”
Krista Krisl
Rating: 9.5 / 10
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