SJK C Union

NURTURING SUSTAINABILITY THROUGH ENERGY-SAVING INITIATIVES

We at SJK C Union are truly grateful for the opportunity to explore and implement electricity saving measures in the school in a more structured and meaningful way, says Ms Lee Ting Hui. We believe this initiative has raised awareness and encouraged a shift in attitude towards responsible energy use among the school community.

To begin this journey, the school organised an engaging and informative talk titled, “Let’s Save Energy”, which aimed to nurture awareness among students about the importance of conserving electricity. The session was well received as it included real-life examples, interactive discussions and simple daily actions that could lead to significant change. The students were visibly inspired to conserve energy both at school and at home.

In July, the school proudly launched the “Zero Waste Initiative 4.0” to further strengthen this movement. This initiative went beyond energy saving and aimed to cultivate a sustainable lifestyle among students. Students who consistently practised good habits, such as turning off lights, unplugging devices or reusing materials, were awarded extra marks. These positive behaviours were recorded in their personal “behaviour cards”, and students were rewarded with thoughtful and meaningful gifts. Such acts of appreciation served as strong positive reinforcement and created a sense of pride among the students.

Implementing such change did not come without challenges. One of the main obstacles was maintaining consistency. Although students were enthusiastic at the start, sustaining their efforts over the long term required continuous reminders and motivation. It became clear that forming habits takes time, but with the right encouragement and environment, change is indeed possible. Despite these challenges, the students showed admirable dedication. Simple yet significant actions, like switching off fans and lights before leaving the classroom, have become second nature to many. These daily practices, though small, make a big difference when carried out collectively.

An analysis of the school’s electricity bills over recent months revealed both increases and decreases in usage. From March to May, there was a noticeable rise in energy consumption and monthly charges. However, in June, a significant drop was observed, which was a rewarding outcome. There is hope that this positive trend will continue in July and beyond. One major factor contributing to increased electricity usage was the frequency of schoolwide events held in the hall and training centre. These large spaces require air conditioning and are often used for various programmes since the school is strategically located and frequently chosen to host district-level activities.

From a broader perspective, the long-term benefits of this energy-saving effort are both practical and educational. Reducing electricity bills is a direct advantage, but more importantly, the school is nurturing a generation that is mindful of energy consumption, aware of its environmental impact and committed to making a difference. This initiative will not end with the project. The school is committed to continuing these efforts because responsible energy use should become part of everyday culture, not just a temporary campaign for students and staff.

We also have adopted several energy-saving habits at home. We make sure to unplug all electrical appliances when they are not in use and encourage family members to do the same. Their support has been encouraging, and together they are learning to become more environmentally responsible. Many students also take what they have learned at school and apply it at home. Many now make a conscious effort to switch off lights and fans when leaving a room and use air conditioning sparingly. It is heartening to see these values being practised outside the school setting.

The Parents and Teachers Association (PTA) has expressed great admiration and satisfaction with this initiative. They are delighted to see students nurtured with responsible habits from a young age and strongly believe these practices will shape children into thoughtful individuals who will one day lead society in protecting and sustaining the planet. The PTA views these efforts as laying a strong foundation for environmental stewardship.

Ultimately, students are becoming more aware of environmental and global issues. They now understand the significance of conserving energy not only to save costs but also to reduce harmful environmental impacts. They are learning that even small actions can bring about positive change and that they too can become champions of sustainability.