Write a policy on closing external doors and windows when the heating is on

Stokes Wood Primary School, Wednesday, 15 November 2023
30 Change-maker KS1, KS2, KS3, KS4, KS5

What you did

Our policy for closing external doors and windows when the heating is on is embedded within the sustainability policy. 

Activity description

It is very common for classrooms to have the heating on and windows and doors open for fresh air or cooling. This is a big waste of energy! Turning off radiators first before you open windows and doors is really important. 

Can you write a policy to get everyone in the school to remember to always keep windows and doors closed when the heating is on? Remember you can reduce classroom temperatures using radiator thermostats and boiler controls rather than opening doors and windows.

Make a start by looking at our example, then adapt it for your school or write your own one.

Things to consider when writing your policy:
  1. Who will have responsibility for closing doors and windows? Can both pupils and staff do this?
  2. How will you let other classes know what they are supposed to be doing and why?
  3. Who will monitor whether doors and windows are closed? Will you have class energy monitors or will your Energy or Eco-team do spot checks each day?
  4. How will you record your findings? 
  5. How will you share with the rest of the school how well you are doing?
  6. How will you reward good performance?

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