Education Business

With the recent announcement from the Office of National Statistics that the UK is in the midst of the longest recession in recorded history after six consecutive quarters of negative growth, public sector organisations are understandably considering new ways of becoming leaner.
    
While energy may not at first sight appear the obvious route for schools that are being compelled to balance the books, it actually makes perfect sense. A well-managed programme of energy efficiency can have multiple benefits, from reducing energy costs to educating staff and pupils alike about environmental issues. Crucially, tackling energy bills is an effective strategy to reduce expenditure while ensuring that quality of education is not at risk.
    
In addition, many schools fall under the 2002 Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD), which since 1 October 2008 has required that all public buildings of more than 1,000 sq m exhibit a Display Energy Certificate (DEC). These documents provide an energy rating for buildings and are designed to help encourage energy efficiency and meet the government’s targets for carbon reduction. Moreover, the European Parliament is currently debating a change to the legislation which would require all buildings of over 250 sq m to hold a DEC, so early action makes sense on a number of levels. The certificates, being publicly displayed, have the capacity to name and shame and schools will want to show parents they are not spending hard-earned funding on energy instead of education.
    
Cutting down on cash and carbon
Southwold Primary School, in East London, is a great example of the cost savings that can be realised by pursuing an effective programme of energy efficiency, spurred on by the requirements of the EPBD. As Southwold’s energy supplier, we’ve been working with the school since 2008 to help reduce its carbon footprint through a series of straightforward steps. The project began with a thorough assessment of the school’s energy usage and the award of a DEC. While this is a mandatory document, schools can really make the most of the recommendations contained within the document to improve the rating and so cut energy bills.
    
Head teacher Gary Boyd was keen to take action but was concerned that the constraints of the building, built in 1863, would prevent real improvements being made.
    
We helped the school to install a Building Management System (BMS) to help monitor and reduce consumption. This allows parents, children and the wider community to look at the school’s energy use but more importantly means that the management team at Southwold can centrally control consumption and turn off energy outside of core opening hours. Our team also developed bespoke software dashboards for the school’s computers to help engage the children and involve them in reducing energy consumption.
    
Simple changes, dramatic results
Following these simple changes, the results have been dramatic; Southwold has reduced its energy bills by an astounding 35 per cent in less than ten months while improving its DEC rating from an F to a C, above the current national average of a D. In addition, the cost savings have already funded two extra full-time teachers, making a demonstrable difference to the children’s education.
    
Gary Boyd comments: “We’ve been delighted with the progress made at the school; EDF Energy has helped us in hugely reducing our energy bills and therefore saving enough money to fund front-line resources.
    
An important point to make is that an old building is no barrier; despite the age of Southwold, real improvements have been made. Funding is available for schemes such as this, so we would urge all schools to follow our lead and take the plunge; energy efficiency schemes are a win-win way to cut costs and help the environment at the same time.”
    
Taking the plunge
We’re very proud of what has been achieved at Southwold and would urge any school to take the plunge, as the smallest changes can have a huge impact. It’s a great way to teach the kids about energy efficiency using real-life examples that are relevant to them, while also complying with legislation and all-important cost-cutting.

For more information
If you would like to make your school more energy efficient, contact the Energy Services team at EDF Energy by e-mailing This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it for tailored advice.