Key Actions for Energy Efficiency
There are three crucial steps schools and colleges should follow to enhance their energy efficiency:
1. Understand Energy Usage: Conducting an energy audit is vital to identify where energy is consumed and pinpoint opportunities for savings.
2. Develop a Plan: Based on the audit results, schools should create a plan that incorporates good practices, promotes behavioural changes, and outlines further interventions to reduce energy consumption.
3. Implement and Manage: The next step is to put the plan into action, monitor progress, and make adjustments to ensure long-term energy savings.
Each school's situation will be unique, and while some of the recommended measures may already be in place, others may require more time and resources. It's important to assess which strategies are most relevant based on the school's specific needs and resources.
Understanding Energy Usage
A good starting point for improving energy efficiency is understanding the factors that affect energy consumption. These include:
- Building Condition: The energy performance of a building depends on how well it is constructed and maintained, not just its age.
- Operational Requirements: Different types of schools (primary, secondary, special education) have varying energy needs.
- User Behaviour: How staff and students use equipment and facilities plays a large role in energy consumption.
- Technology and Equipment: The energy efficiency of ICT and catering equipment can significantly impact overall usage.
Monitoring Energy Use
Regular meter readings or smart meters are essential tools for monitoring energy usage. Smart meters can provide detailed, half-hourly data, helping schools identify patterns in energy use, particularly when buildings are unoccupied. Sub-meters can offer more granular insights, enabling schools to target specific areas for energy-saving improvements.
Comparing energy usage against other schools using platforms like Energy Sparks can also help identify areas where savings are possible.
Reducing Heating and Hot Water Usage
Heating typically represents one of the highest energy costs in schools. Key strategies to reduce heating costs include:
- Adjusting temperature settings: Reducing the temperature by just 1ºC can save 5% to 10% on annual heating costs.
- Optimising heating schedules: Adjust heating controls to match the building’s usage, turning off systems earlier to take advantage of residual heat.
- Insulating pipes: Insulating heating pipes can reduce heat loss by up to 70%, offering a cost-effective solution for saving energy.
For hot water systems, turning off water heaters during non-use periods like weekends and holidays can yield significant savings. Ensuring proper temperature control and preventing leaks through regular maintenance are also critical.
Energy Audits and Behavioural Changes
Conducting an energy audit helps schools understand their energy consumption and identify priority areas for improvement. This can be done in-house or with professional support if needed. Behavioural changes are also key, as small actions like turning off lights, equipment, and heating in unused spaces can significantly reduce energy consumption. Encouraging staff and students to adopt energy-saving habits can be supported with prompts, reminders, and eco-club initiatives.
Lighting and Equipment Management
Maximising natural light by drawing up blinds and cleaning windows can reduce the need for artificial lighting. Installing sensors and timers on lights ensures they are only in use when needed, while switching to energy-efficient LED lighting can cut lighting energy consumption by over 80%.
Similarly, switching off unused electrical equipment, including computers and kitchen appliances, can make a notable difference. Schools should also consider upgrading to more energy-efficient ICT and catering equipment over time.
Renewable Energy Opportunities
Schools interested in generating renewable energy on-site can explore technologies like solar panels, solar thermal systems, and wind turbines. Solar panels are a popular choice, converting sunlight into electricity that can be used within the school, stored, or sold back to the grid. However, before installing these systems, it's essential to assess the roof's structural integrity and ensure there is enough space for the necessary equipment.
Managing Ventilation for Energy Efficiency
Good ventilation is important for maintaining a healthy learning environment, but it should be balanced with energy efficiency. CO₂ monitors can help manage ventilation by indicating when to open or close windows to maintain air quality while reducing unnecessary heat loss.
Conclusion
By implementing these energy-saving strategies, schools and colleges can reduce their energy consumption and carbon emissions, while also cutting costs. From simple behavioural changes to more complex system upgrades, there are many opportunities to create a more sustainable and cost-effective learning environment.
For details of the guide the Government published see:
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/energy-efficiency-guidance-for-the-school-and-fe-college-estate/energy-efficiency-guidance-for-the-school-and-further-education-college-estate