Energy conservation in state schools : a management perspective

Abstract

This dissertation investigates whether the measures being adopted by State Schools is effective enough for the implementation of the 2020 energy conservation targets as established by the Maltese Government. For this purpose, the managerial role of the Senior Management Team’s (SMTs) is explored to examine whether it succeeds in accomplishing these measures.

As the Foundation for Tomorrow’s Schools (FTS) is the government entity responsible for the upkeep, refurbishment and construction of new public schools, a more detailed aspect of this dissertation looks at the question whether the FTS is aligning the design and installation of equipment in schools on the lines of energy conservation. This dissertation also delves into Eco Schools which provides environmental education to students.

This dissertation attempts to contextualise the investigation of these national measures as reflected in State Schools in a wider context, one which seeks to probe into the collaboration of Malta with other countries as sustainable development issues need a global response and a holistic approach. These measures also draw attention to how Malta’s Local Agenda 21 connects to the 1992 policies of the Rio “Earth Summit” which set the lines on the interrelated effort between countries to reach a sustainable path between Development and Environment. Therefore, Governments can collaborate by adopting more efficient energy and resources and taking care of the environment. The work of these initiatives was executed in the light of the various legislations in connection with the energy efficiency and efficacy enacted by Government during the last years.

By way of conclusion, this dissertation, seeks to emphasise that Local Government must keep rising to the challenge to make State Schools sustainable enough as stipulated by the European Union regulations. This target can be reached either by amending current regulations or proposing new ones. This research is justified in so far it measured how the various management levels from SMTs to FTS was organised in a manner that support energy conservation policies. The effective implementation of these policies or their lack keep anticipating whether Maltese State Schools will be compliant with European Union regulations.