With ever-increasingly tight budgets, education providers are having to think smarter to make their money go further. Energy costs absorb a significant proportion of budgets but there are some easy ways to reduce energy costs in schools and other education settings.
Here are our 7 easy tips to reduce energy costs in schools, colleges and universities.
1. Conduct an energy audit
An audit of your school’s energy usage is the best place to start so you can measure usage before and after your energy efficiency reduction efforts. Schools with smart meters will be able to monitor energy usage throughout the day. If you take manual meter readings, you can still record your usage to measure the impact of your efforts. Why not ask a class or body of students to help with this? It’s a great way to engage with students so they can support the effort.
An energy expert, such as Practical Energy Solutions, can carry out a full inspection on your behalf. The inspection would include checks for air leaks, the identification of any insulation issues and recommending energy-efficient lighting, for example, to help with the process.
Here’s a simple energy checklist from the Carbon Trust.
2. Turn down the heat
Although the School Premises (England) Regulations 2012 does not specify minimum temperatures for any parts of a school, the National Education Union (NEU) recommends temperatures in school classrooms should be maintained at a minimum of 18oC.
If your school’s current temperature setting is slightly higher than the recommended minimum, it is possible to reduce energy costs by 8% by dropping the temperature by even 1oC.
Savings can be made by managing the heating of spaces that are used less frequently. For example, if the main hall will not be used on any given day, why waste energy and money when you could further drop the temperature in that space on set days or after a set time?
3. Switch off the lights
A two-for-one here… one of the easiest ways to save energy is by switching to energy-efficient light bulbs, such as LED, and by switching off lights in classrooms and other spaces that aren’t being used. It’s a no-brainer really, but you’d be surprised how many people don’t turn off lights when they leave a space. Sensor lights can help here but a simple reminder to staff could be enough if you don’t have the budget to install sensors.
Did you know… LEDs use over 75% less energy than incandescent lighting and they could last for 15 years!
Engage your staff and students in your energy cost-cutting activities. They are most likely being more conservative with their home energy usage right now, so they’re bound to be supportive of similar efforts in school.
4. Turn off electrical equipment
A single desktop computer or laptop left on or on standby overnight can cost an extra £35 a year. Encourage your staff to turn off all computers in their classrooms and other spaces at the end of each school day and especially at the end of the week or term!
Your staff can also help you save money by unplugging printers, chargers and other electronic devices when they aren’t used.
5. Run an energy-efficient staff room
The staff room offers plenty of energy-saving opportunities:
- Boil only as much water in the kettle as is needed. Encourage a tea-buddy system whereby small groups of staff, maybe 3-4 people, take turns to make the tea during the day. It’s more efficient to boil the kettle once for four cups than it is to boil the kettle four times, one cup at a time.
- Put the radiators on TRVs or timed systems to avoid heating unused areas.
- Unplug the microwave or toaster after use!
- Wait until the dishwasher is full before switching it on – and run it on an eco setting.
- Regularly clean your fridge and freezer filters to keep them efficient.
When the time comes to replace appliances, it’s worthwhile opting for A+++ rated ones.
6. Switch your energy supplier
It’s fair to say that, thanks to the ongoing energy crisis, you won’t find many energy tariffs on price comparison websites right now. But, as and when things improve, it’s important to review your energy supplier. Typically, the best deals are usually offered in the summer (when school’s out) so try to ensure someone has responsibility for switching the supply during this period if possible.
When you can consider switching to a new supplier, it’s worthwhile contacting your existing supplier to see if they can do a deal to keep you. It not only reduces the effort it takes you to switch but it also gives your supplier the option to keep your much-needed business (they need you as much as you need them!).
7. Service and maintain your boiler
Whether you’re already on your way to becoming a Net Zero education provider and use a Biomass boiler, for example, to heat your school, or you are still using a fossil fuel solution, such as gas, it’s important to regularly maintain and service your boiler.
The ideal time to service your boiler is at the end of the academic year, during the summer holiday period, or after the winter during the Easter break. This way, it minimises disruption to staff and students alike, but also means that any issues are identified when the boiler isn’t in demand.
Whenever you opt to service your boiler, it’s important to remember that this annual servicing can ensure your energy solution is fit for purpose and as efficient as it can be, thereby reducing energy costs and greatly reducing the risk of a breakdown during the colder months.
Contact us
The above tips are quick and easy fixes to reduce energy costs in schools, as well as other organisations. As HETAS-approved technicians, we provide servicing and maintenance of commercial renewable energy solutions, such as biomass boilers. We can also service and maintain gas boilers. Contact us for further details.