Energy costs are projected to rise as much as 12 percent in 2008, and a facility's "carbon footprint" has become an issue of increasing importance. So, many schools and universities are taking a hard look at their energy consumption. Education facilities can save tens of thousands of dollars in yearly electric costs, and cut harmful emissions by thousands of tons, by adopting a handful of simple, cost-effective efficiency strategies. Although efficiency investments of every size and cost are possible, several measures can reduce electrical consumption and have a payback period of three years or less. Two areas of "low-hanging fruit" for a school or university seeking to lower electric costs are lighting and electrical motors.