The Importance of Decarbonization in K-12 Schools

Creating a healthy environment for students to learn in is key to their success. One way to do this is by implementing a decarbonization solution into your schools.

Procurement and purchasing professionals hold the initial responsibility for establishing a safe environment for students. It is important to know your options and understand the different solutions available to you. You have the option to make this process easier by partnering with a cooperative purchasing organization that will guide you through the procurement process, assist you in selecting the appropriate contract solutions, and help you save time and money.

With so many competing needs and unique challenges, it can be hard to know where or when to start shrinking your carbon footprint—let Trane and OMNIA Partners help you get started!

Decarbonization is the process of implementing building solutions that prevent or reduce carbon gases from being released into the atmosphere. Doing so can help lay the foundation for state-of-the-art comfort systems, improved facilities and more cost-effective, energy-efficient operations.

Trane approaches your school’s decarbonization process through four essential pillars: energy efficiency, electrification, refrigerant management and renewable energy. These key ways to decarbonize can solve for a wide range of building and energy challenges.

Using less energy produces less carbon emissions from power plants. Since energy efficiency saves money, this is an easy starting point.

Example action items:  

• Add building automation to avoid using energy when it is not needed
• Switch to high efficiency HVAC Systems
• Upgrade to newer LED lighting and other energy saving measures
• Make structural modifications to reduce heating and cooling loads

As the nation’s power grid transitions to renewable energy sources, switching to electric heating reduces overall emissions.

Example action items:

• Upgrade to heat recovery and hybrid dual fuel options 
• Apply innovative approaches using heat pumps 
• Add thermal energy storage to make electric heat practical in cold climates

Engaging in solutions that prioritize solar, wind and other types of energy from sources that are natural and constantly replenished.

Example action items: 

• Purchase renewable energy from the grid 
• Add thermal energy storage to gain purchase and use flexibility
• Generate solar and wind energy onsite

Minimizing potential greenhouse gas effects or refrigerants used in HVAC systems. 

Example action items: 

• Transition to low global warming potential (GWP) refrigerants
• Monitor HVAC systems for potential leaks

Read more about decarbonization in schools from Trane:

• Decarbonization Strategies for School Buildings (trane.com) 
• What Can Schools Do To Decarbonize? (trane.com) 
• Demystifying Decarbonization: What it Means to Schools (trane.com)