Budgets are tighter than ever, so education providers are having to think smarter to make less go further. Energy costs consume a significant proportion of budgets but there are some easy ways to reduce energy costs in schools and other education settings.
Here are our top 7 tips to reduce energy costs in schools, colleges and universities.
1. Carry out an energy audit
An audit of your energy use is a great place to start because you will be able to measure your usage before and after your energy efficiency reduction efforts. If you use a smart meter, you will be able to monitor your school’s energy throughout the day. If you take manual meter readings, you can still record your usage to measure the impact of your efforts. This is also a great way to engage with students so they can support the effort.
As energy experts, we can carry out a full inspection on your behalf to check for air leaks, insulation issues and 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
While the School Premises (England) Regulations 2012 does not specify minimum temperatures for any parts of a school, the National Education Union (NEU) suggests temperatures in school classrooms should be maintained at 18oC at least.
Depending on what your school’s temperature is currently set to, if it is slightly higher than the recommended minimum, it is possible to reduce energy costs by 8% by dropping the temperature by just 1oC. You might be able to monitor hot spots and turn down the radiators in those areas.
It’s also worth 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?
3. Switch off the lights
Two tips in one… 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 is a no-brainer really, but you’d be surprised how many people don’t turn off lights when they leave a space. Obviously, sensor lights can really help here but a simple reminder to staff could be enough.
LEDs use over 75% less energy than incandescent lighting and they could last for 15 years!
You may even qualify for a grant.
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 understanding.
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 their working day and especially at the end of the week!
Your staff can also help you save money by unplugging printers, chargers and other electronic devices when they aren’t used. IT Managers across the nation beware!
5. Run an energy-efficient staff room
The staff room offers a few opportunities to save energy:
- Only boil 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 empty space.
- Pull the plug on the microwave or toaster after use!
- Wait until the dishwasher is full before switching it on
- Regularly clean your fridge and freezer filters to keep them efficient
When the time comes to replace appliances, it’s really worth opting for A+++ rated ones.
6. Switch your energy supplier
It’s fair to say that, because of the current 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. As we move into the summer the best deals are usually offered.
When you are able to consider switching to a new supplier, it is 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 is also gives your supplier the option to keep your much needed business!
7. Service your boiler
Whether you are 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 is important to regularly 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.
Whenever you opt to service your boiler, it is 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, across the North East of England and the Central Belt of Scotland.
Contact us on 07889 105050 to book your next boiler service or if you need maintenance repair work.