YESAction Initiatives
YESEnergy
YESEnergy
Promoting clean energy and reducing unnecessary energy usage.
The Problem We're Solving
Most people have little visibility into how much energy they or where that energy comes from, which makes it hard to see energy use as something they can actually influence. Lights left on in empty rooms, outdated appliances, and general inefficiency all add up. But since most of this waste goes unseen, there's rarely any pressure to change. At the same time, the shift to renewable energy is one of the most important levers for addressing climate change, and most teens have never had a chance to engage with what that transition actually looks like in practice. Small, visible changes at school can build real understanding of a much bigger issue.
Foundation
Every chapter participating in YES Energy should:
Conduct a basic energy walkthrough of their school to identify obvious waste (lights on in unused rooms, old inefficient equipment, etc.), then launch a simple behavior campaign addressing what was found — such as a "lights off" sign campaign or reminders posted near light switches and thermostats.
Track and share any measurable change, even informally, to show the campaign is working.
This foundation alone builds environmental literacy at scale. Most people don't need to be convinced sustainability matters — they need to be shown exactly what to do about it.
Going Further
Chapters that want to extend their impact can:
Advocate for a renewable energy source (like rooftop solar) to be installed at their school, or research what it would take, and host a clean energy fair or speaker session featuring local experts, installers, or advocates.
Partner with school facilities staff to identify longer-term efficiency upgrades, like LED lighting or smart thermostats.
Awareness alone rarely changes behavior — repetition and community accountability do. Pairing consistent online content with real-world touchpoints turns passive followers into people who've actually changed a habit, not just read about one.
How We Support You
YES Action is here to help. Chapters working on YES Energy can reach out to us for:
Guidance on running an energy walkthrough and what to look for
Connections to local clean energy organizations, installers, or speakers
Advice & blueprint on how to pitch a solar or efficiency project to school administration
Examples and case studies from chapters that have pursued similar projects
Recognition
As we roll out our chapter recognition system, your chapter's participation in YES Energy will count toward your standing. Chapters that complete an energy walkthrough and launch a behavior campaign — and those that go further by advocating for renewable energy or long-term efficiency upgrades — will earn higher recognition.
