APS and the Environment - District (2016)

APS recognizes the importance of being active stewards in protecting our environment and promoting sustainability throughout our district. We are committed to energy and environmental conservation incorporating sustainability goals into our daily instruction and school operations. We aim to minimize our carbon footprint and emissions and invite our community to join us in this partnership.

Let’s Welcome Spring!

Spring is a wonderful time to enjoy the milder weather and inspect your home before the hot, summer season arrives. There are wonderful ways for us to enjoy the cool breezes and save energy. Here are some helpful tips as we welcome spring.

Open up your windows now to let the cool breezes in and freshen your home. While enjoying Mother Nature’s cooling have your air conditioner checked out to make sure your equipment is in good condition for the summer.
On a beautiful day, hang your laundry outside on a line to dry.
Spring is a wonderful time to start up your grill and enjoy your meals outdoors. Turn off the hot oven or stove and head outside.
Continue to change your filters monthly. Dirty filters prevent proper air flow throughout your home and can also cause indoor air quality issues.
If your home has a ceiling fan switch it on in the counter clockwise position (as you look up to the fan) when you are home to move fresh air around.
Now that we have more daylight, enjoy the sun and use it as much as possible at home leaving the lights off until the evening. Natural daylight improves your mood.
Set your hot water heater to 120 degrees and make sure to insulate it. Insulate the pipe that leads from the water heater at least 5 feet. You can save 7-11% of your water heating costs.
Check out new LED light bulbs and try a few out in your home. Many more options are available and these bulbs will reduce your energy use and heat load.
When purchasing new appliances or computers look for the Energy Star label.
Shorten your shower by a minute or two and you’ll save up to 150 gallons per month.

Please visit this page for additional energy saving tips and the Federal Energy Management Program for your Home

AETV’s Green Scene

To highlight sustainability efforts by our students and staff, Arlington Educational TV (AETV) has created a TV series called “The Green Scene”. Please take a moment to enjoy some of the videos.

Arlington County’s Energy Lending Library

Plug into the first Energy Lending Library in the country offered by Arlington County. The collection includes thermal imaging cameras, energy meters and books that will help residents identify areas of energy waste in their homes. The Energy Lending Library was created by the Arlington Initiative to Rethink Energy (AIRE) in partnership with Arlington Public Library.