The hike in energy prices is having a shocking impact on homes, schools and businesses nationwide. However, by thinking outside the box there are lots of ways we can use less and spend less, ensuring schools can keep up with the rising costs. Changing our approach to energy consumption not only saves money, but it also means that schools are committing to a greener future for the next generation.
In the UK, the energy price cap has risen by a whopping 54% this year, putting us all under pressure to step up and afford the steep prices of gas, electric and oil. With the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, the knock-on effect of gas supplied by Russia, and an unstable post-pandemic economy, costs have continued keep climbing.
So, how can schools afford to bridge that gap, with the prospect of energy bills doubling for some? According to the Institute of Business School Leadership, secondary schools already spend £41 per pupil on energy per year, plus £7.41 on water per square metre of floor space. Which amounts to a huge £47,912 per annum for an average-sized school. With many schools already struggling financially, imagine if that cost doubled… or even tripled.
So, what can we do about it? Firstly, a school should look at its current energy usage, regular meter readings will also provide a truer reflection of your expected outgoings. All of which amount to a black and white prediction of the financial difficulties ahead that need tackling. A great way to understand a school’s current position is through using a carbon footprint calculator. A calculator looks at energy, water, waste and transport to identify ways in which a school can not only cut costs but also become more efficient too. A detailed CO2 report is then usually provided with recommendations on how to become more sustainable and where to mitigate where you can.
The next step is to implement energy cutbacks where possible. This won’t solve everything, but will help reduce costs. For example, ensuring that all technology is turned off – not just to standby – when not in use, can reap huge savings. Turning off lights is a sure-fire way to keep down energy bills. However, simply putting a ‘please turn the light off’ note above the switches isn’t enough. You need to change the culture, and mindset throughout the school. In addition, swapping all bulbs to energy efficient LED bulbs is an easy way to save up to 80% on energy consumption. Queen Anne’s School in Caversham has already logged savings of £66k since installing the best quality LED lighting throughout the school.
Other quick fixes to see a reduction in your school’s fuel bills include adding aerators to taps – a simple way to reduce the amount of water coming out. Bio-mass boilers can also reduce a school’s oil consumption significantly.
Renewable energy is also becoming increasingly popular as an investment to reduce a schools’ carbon footprint. The Carbon Trust estimates that UK schools could reduce their energy costs by around £44 million per year; offsetting 625,000 tons of CO2 per annum by using onsite power generation such as solar and wind power.
Solar energy is now more viable and affordable than ever, with simple measures such as installing solar PV panels offering an effective, low maintenance solution that will cut costs and generate greener energy. Driven by economic and sustainable reasons, the UK is installing solar panels faster than any other country. For every kWh of energy the panels generate, that’s one kWh less you’ll need to purchase from a supplier.
Due to the ongoing effects that the Ukrainian crisis is having on fuel prices, Queen Anne’s School set about investing in solar power in August 2022.
It’s an attractive investment with a decent, short payback period
Ed Hellings, Bursar at Queen Anne’s School
Slashing bills and CO2 emissions, solar also improves conditions for pupils, while sending a powerful message to students and the school community.
Young people are tackling climate change head on and working to minimise the carbon footprint of your school will not only reduce bills but demonstrate that your institution has the welfare of the planet at heart. Companies such as Using Less Stuff can help you identify how to reduce the CO2 emissions and fuel bills of your school and create a culture change within your institution.
The idea is to help change old habits into new sustainable ones. We need to change from only 2/3 people in the school worrying about how to ‘Use Less’ to every stakeholder taking responsibility. So, for example at Queen Annes School in Caversham they have 750 stakeholders (teacher, pupils, support staff). So, each and everyone of them has made a commitment to agree to take action in one area for the term. So now we have 750 actions being taken rather than 2/3. Lots of small steps is the future and everyone taking responsibility.
