England’s education sector is facing mounting financial pressure, with energy costs emerging as a key contributor. According to a recent report from Kreston UK, 47% of multi-academy trusts, representing over 2,300 schools, ended the 2023 financial year in deficit — despite the Department for Education allocating £447 million in energy efficiency grants.
Energy efficiency is no longer optional — it’s critical to financial and operational resilience.
Why Energy Efficiency Matters
Energy and water are among the largest non-staff costs in schools. The Carbon Trust estimates that most organisations can cut their energy spend by 10% to 20% through simple efficiency measures — freeing up valuable resources that could be redirected to frontline education.
Beyond cost reduction, energy efficiency enhances the overall school environment. It can improve comfort levels in classrooms, contribute to a healthier learning atmosphere, and support environmental goals by lowering carbon emissions. It also offers valuable teaching moments, helping pupils engage with sustainability in a hands-on, meaningful way.
Practical Energy-Saving Measures for Schools
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Establish a Green Policy
Set clear targets, assign responsibilities, and create a framework for progress tracking. A formal policy builds accountability and drives participation across staff and students.
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Promote Behavioural Change
Encourage simple actions — such as switching off unused equipment, keeping doors closed, and managing room temperatures — that can have a measurable impact. Many schools appoint student ‘eco-champions’ to lead initiatives.
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Optimise Heating and Lighting
Heating and lighting are major energy costs in schools, but simple upgrades can make a big difference. Lowering the temperature by just one degree can reduce heating bills by up to 10%. Smart controls help manage heating more efficiently, while switching to LED lighting cuts electricity use. Adding occupancy sensors ensures lights are only on when needed.
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Implement Energy Management Systems
Smart energy monitoring systems like ClearVUE.Zero enable schools to monitor their energy use in real time. Such platforms help identify areas of inefficiency, provide data for benchmarking against past performance or other schools, and support more informed decisions around energy use, all of which can lead to substantial cost savings over time.
Success story: Tor Bridge High in Plymouth used solar panels, LED upgrades, and ClearVUE.Zero to significantly reduce energy bills — freeing up funds to invest in a school van.
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Review Bills and Tariffs
Smart meters and sub-meters offer accurate insights into energy use, helping schools verify bills and detect anomalies. Regular reviews can help identify billing errors, seasonal trends, or inefficient usage patterns.
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Improve Insulation and Prevent Draughts
Simple measures like draught-proofing, pipe lagging, and adding insulation can significantly reduce heat loss. These upgrades are especially effective in older buildings, cutting energy use while improving comfort for staff and pupils.
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Consider Renewable Energy
Solar panels, heat pumps, and other technologies can deliver long-term savings and support decarbonisation goals. Many schools are now exploring renewables as part of broader net zero strategies.
Energy Efficiency Funding and Support Available to Schools
While the drive for energy efficiency may seem financially daunting, significant government-backed support is available to help schools implement meaningful changes.
Substantial government support is available to help schools improve energy efficiency.
Great British Energy is investing £200 million to install rooftop solar panels on 200 schools by 2025. Each school could save up to £25,000 per year, significantly easing energy-related budget pressures.
Salix Finance, through the Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme, offers grants to fund upgrades such as LED lighting, smart heating controls, and renewable energy systems—helping schools take action without upfront capital.
For schools seeking guidance or procurement support, the Department for Education provides access to approved energy and utility frameworks through its “Get Help Buying for Schools” service. This offers impartial advice to help schools make cost-effective and compliant purchasing decisions, whether for consultancy, technology upgrades, or renewable installations.
