The McFarland High School Eco Club has clinched the top prize in the 2025 Spring Renew Our Schools Energy Conservation Challenge, marking their third consecutive victory in the statewide competition. The challenge, a collaborative initiative by the Wisconsin K-12 Energy Education Program (KEEP) and FOCUS ON ENERGY, aims to empower students to understand and actively reduce energy consumption in their schools and communities.
Over a dynamic five-week competition held throughout March and April, McFarland High School stood out among 13 participating schools, including five returning alumni schools. Through a combination of dedication, innovation, and teamwork, the Eco Club completed 32 energy-saving actions, earned 561 points, and successfully reduced school energy usage by 7%, equating to nearly $850 in savings during the challenge period.
“This challenge is all about empowering our young people to take the lead in creating a more sustainable future,” said Heather Feigum from Focus on Energy, who presented the award. “McFarland High School didn’t just participate – they excelled! The team demonstrated incredible dedication, creativity, and a deep commitment to energy conservation.”
Feigum also praised specific initiatives led by the club, including:
Weekly energy data analysis and school-wide announcements.
An energy audit of the 2nd and 3rd floor hallways, which identified areas of excessive lighting and opportunities to utilize natural light or install sensors.
An “Energy Savings Day” on March 14, where efforts to turn off unnecessary lights and electronics reduced energy usage by 4.3% in a single day.
Classroom audits and personalized feedback to teachers on ways to reduce energy waste.
A weekend energy reduction of over 10%, showcasing their influence on long-term behavioral change.
The club attributes their continued success to lessons learned in previous years, noting that the school’s baseline energy consumption is now lower than before due to lasting behavioral and infrastructural changes from previous years.
As a result of their outstanding performance, McFarland High School received a $2,150 check — $2,000 for winning the competition and an additional $150 for their Energy Savings Day mini-challenge.
This continued success demonstrates the power of youth-led initiatives in promoting sustainability and cutting costs for schools and taxpayers alike. Congratulations to the McFarland Eco Club for leading the charge toward a greener future!
