SMK Kampong Kastam – Consumers Association Penang

*CAP officer Saraswathi Devi Odian providing guidance on planting techniques and proper plant care.*

PROUDLY LEADING THE WAY IN ENERGY-SAVING PRACTICES

SMK Kampong Kastam warmly welcomed CAP’s idea of introducing electricity-saving measures, as it supports and strengthens the school’s ongoing efforts to reduce energy consumption.

Several steps and activities have been carried out to raise awareness and promote the practice of energy saving among pupils and the school community (see table of activities).

However, there are challenges in implementing these measures, says Ms Lydia Lirek Anyie. The main issue is time constraints, followed by the need for full commitment from all members of the school. Continuous monitoring is necessary to ensure everyone fulfils their responsibility.

She shares the school’s energy-saving journey below.

*Students of SMK Kampong Kastam filling up soil for planting.*

The cooperation from students has been encouraging, especially through the energy monitors and prefects who play an active role. For example, during recess and at the end of the school day, they ensure all lights and fans are switched off.

At 7.30 am, duty monitors check that the ventilation fans in the toilets and the lights and fans in the canteen are switched off, since all students are already at the assembly ground or in their classrooms. They also make sure the lights and fans at the assembly area are turned off after the morning assembly.

There has been a noticeable difference in the electricity bill. However, in some instances, the reduction is not very significant. This is likely due to additional energy demands such as the installation of two extra fans in each classroom, the use of classrooms for extra classes even during weekends, more frequent use of air-conditioned rooms for meetings and student activities and electricity usage for maintenance work such as toilet repairs.

*Ms Lydia Lirek Anyie planting her own natural cooling plant.*

In the long run, the greatest benefit of this programme is the hope that students will adopt energy-saving habits in their daily lives as they grow up, which will have a positive impact on environmental sustainability. Our school is committed to continuing this initiative even after the project ends, as energy saving has long been part of our school’s culture.

At home, several energy-saving measures have also been implemented. For example, the family now uses a common air-conditioned room instead of separate ones, clothes are sun-dried instead of using a dryer, the washing machine is used efficiently, ironing is done once a week instead of daily, plugs are disconnected when appliances are not in use and hot showers are limited to mornings only.

*Summary of activities undertaken to promote energy-saving awareness among pupils and the school community.*

At first, family members were not supportive, but once they saw the reduction in the electricity bill, they began to embrace the practice. Students themselves also practise energy saving at home by encouraging their families to switch off lights, fans, laptops and other electrical appliances when not in use.

The Parents and Teachers Association (PTA) has been very positive about this initiative. The PTA Chairman, Mr Tony Ng, reminded students about energy saving during morning assemblies and also spoke to parents during PTA meetings, encouraging them to support the efforts.

Beyond reducing electricity usage and costs, this initiative also nurtures positive values in students. It teaches them to be responsible towards themselves, their families, their school and the nation. They also learn the importance of being thrifty and to care for the environment.