SK Bukit Gelugor – Consumers Association Penang

*Students learning to mix soil for planting and filling the recycled containers with it.*

From Classrooms to Homes: THE RIPPLE EFFECT OF ENERGY SAVING

SK Bukit Gelugor is proud to have collaborated with CAP on the Energy Saving Programme, an initiative that has actively engaged the entire school community in conserving energy.

Puan Siti Salmah binti Hashim, Senior Assistant for Co-curriculum in the school, shares the following:

The school feels extremely proud and honoured to have collaborated with CAP in implementing the Energy Saving Programme. This initiative has not only raised awareness but has also encouraged the entire school community to take responsibility for their energy use.

It is a timely and meaningful step towards promoting environmental consciousness among young learners. Each morning, during school assembly, students are reminded about the importance of conserving energy before proceeding to their classrooms. These daily reminders have become a consistent and valuable part of the school routine, helping to reinforce the message regularly.

*Students guided by CAP officer Theeban on the techniques of planting natural cooling plants.*

In the classrooms, teachers continue the effort by advising students on how to manage electricity wisely, such as by turning off lights and fans when they are not needed. This guidance has been key in creating lasting habits.

To support these efforts, the school has introduced Energy Monitors, students who take on the responsibility of reminding their peers to practise energy-saving behaviours. These monitors are actively involved in encouraging others, both in and out of the classroom, to switch off electrical appliances when not in use.

Their sense of duty and leadership has inspired other students to follow suit. Although there are still a few students who sometimes forget and switch on the lights even when the room is bright, overall awareness has significantly improved.

What’s especially encouraging is that students who are not officially Energy Monitors also play an active role. Many have taken it upon themselves to remind their friends and even their teachers about energy-saving practices.

This shared sense of responsibility demonstrates how the programme has successfully created a culture of care and mutual accountability.

More importantly, students have begun to apply these habits beyond the school environment, practising energy conservation at home and involving their families in the process.

These collective efforts have already shown positive results. The school recorded a noticeable decrease in electricity bills in March and May 2025. While there were months without a reduction, mainly due to extremely hot weather that required the maximum use of fans and air-conditioners, the overall trend reflects the effectiveness of the programme.

Looking ahead, the school believes that energy conservation will bring lasting benefits. In addition to helping reduce electricity costs, it can also play a role in mitigating the effects of global warming.

The school envisions a future where energy-efficient appliances are used more widely and effectively, both in schools and homes. By nurturing these habits from a young age, students grow up with a stronger appreciation for natural resources and a better understanding of their role in protecting the environment.

*Puan Siti Salmah binti Hashim, Senior Assistant for Co-curriculum, SK Bukit Gelugor.*

SKBG (SK Bukit Gelugor) remains fully committed to continuing these energy-saving practices. This commitment is not limited to students and teachers alone, parents have also shown strong support. Many families have embraced these values and are now practising energy conservation at home. Their involvement reinforces the importance of consistency between school and home environments.

Today, all students understand the importance of energy conservation and know exactly how to implement it. Whether at school, in their classrooms or at home, they are quick to switch off fans and lights when not in use. They also regularly remind their friends and family members to do the same, showing that these practices are becoming second nature.

The school’s Parent-Teacher Association (PIBG) has played a vital role by consistently supporting and contributing to the success of the programme. Their cooperation strengthens the school’s efforts and ensures that this initiative remains sustainable in the long run.

In my view, this Energy Saving Programme has done more than reduce power usage. It has nurtured a generation of students who value energy, work together as a community and carry forward positive values in their daily lives.

It has created a ripple effect that begins in the classroom but reaches homes and the broader society, shaping responsible and environmentally conscious citizens of the future.