SK Dato Kramat – Consumers Association Penang

*The Kolam Hijau at the school’s entrance has a cooling effect.*

Energy-Saving Practices: A STEP TOWARDS A GREENER GENERATION

Ms Dhanyalakshmi Arjunan, Senior Assistant for Cocurriculum, SK Dato Kramat shares the following:

Throughout the year, SK Dato Kramat (SKDK) has organised a variety of activities and programmes under the Co-curriculum Unit. The focus has not only been on sports and games, clubs and societies and uniformed units, but also on creating a conducive learning environment for students. In line with this vision, the Co-curriculum Unit took part in the Green School Award Programme organised by MBPP.

Within this context, CAP introduced the Electricity Saving Programme, which has become one of the core elements of the Green School initiative in SKDK. The school believes this programme will significantly contribute towards the objective of using resources wisely and building a sustainable school environment.

Several steps and activities were carried out to instil energy-saving awareness among students. The school launched the Electricity Saving Programme and appointed Energy Monitors in each class to ensure compliance. The Didik Kasih Nadi Hijau initiative, under the Guidance and Counselling Unit, dedicated mentor-mentee sessions to the theme of preservation, conservation and resource saving.

Other efforts included a poster colouring competition on energy saving, the display of “Save Electricity” stickers on switches and banners around the school compound. Regular reminders were given during assemblies and a mascot named HERO TENAGA was introduced during the programme launch to attract students’ interest and participation.

*Students of SK Dato Kramat planting cooling plants.*

While the programme has shown promising outcomes, certain challenges were faced during its implementation. The main challenge was the lack of awareness and cooperation among some members of the school community. A number of students and staff were still not consistent in practising habits such as switching off fans and lights after use.

There were also challenges in terms of facilities, such as faulty switches and leaking water systems, which caused wastage despite the school’s saving efforts. Moreover, the absence of an efficient monitoring system made it difficult to track energy and water usage comprehensively.

Nevertheless, these obstacles were addressed through continuous awareness campaigns, the establishment of the Energy Monitors team and collaboration with the school administration to repair faulty facilities. Over time, positive changes in students’ habits and attitudes towards energy saving have been observed.

Students have generally shown good cooperation. For instance, Energy Monitors ensure that all switches are turned off when not in use and many students have extended these practices to their homes. They are now more conscious of switching off unused appliances such as fans, televisions, vacuum cleaners and air-conditioners. This change has also influenced their families, with many reporting a noticeable reduction in their household electricity bills.

The school is committed to continuing energy-saving practices even after the project ends, recognising the long-term benefits that extend beyond cost savings. The programme not only reduces electricity consumption but also nurtures important values among students.

*Ms Dhanyalakshmi Arjunan, the school’s Senior Assistant for Cocurriculum*

It instils discipline and responsibility, as they learn to be accountable for their actions and their impact on the environment. It raises environmental awareness by teaching the importance of protecting the earth and reducing pollution. It also fosters thriftiness, a value that extends into other aspects of daily life such as financial management, time management and resource allocation.

In addition, the initiative provides opportunities for students to develop leadership skills and exert a positive influence on their peers through active participation in campaigns and activities. This builds their self-confidence and nurtures qualities of teamwork, cooperation and tolerance within the school community.

In conclusion, the Electricity Saving Programme at SKDK has been a valuable initiative. Despite initial challenges, the school has made significant progress in raising awareness and instilling energy-saving practices among students and staff.

With sustained effort, the programme is expected to leave a lasting impact, shaping environmentally responsible and disciplined individuals who contribute positively both in school and at home.