Development of school energy policy is recommended by the U.S. Department of Energy's EnergySmart Schools Program (U.S. Department of Energy, 2009). A few of the Department of Energy's major conclusions include (1) high energy costs are not "fixed" and can be reduced five to twenty percent by effectively managing, maintaining, and operating school physical plants, regardless of school age, (2) distribution of school-specific information to building staff is essential, and (3) detailed energy policy should provide
guidelines for operation and maintenance programs