Overview
Simple changes in how energy is used in schools can lead to large cost savings and reduce carbon emissions. Schools can take action through behaviour change, student engagement, and site-wide audits.
ECC Energy Efficiency Guide for Schools
A planning guide has been produced to help schools:
- improve energy efficiency
- reduce costs
- support climate action
It provides a simple 5-step process to create an energy action plan, supported by editable templates.
Most suggested actions are low or no cost, and case studies show how small changes have led to significant savings.
Schools can select from pre-written actions, adapt them, or add their own. Priority actions identified through this process can be included in the school's wider climate action plan.
Download the ECC Energy Efficiency Guide for Schools (PDF, 3MB)
Download the Energy Action Plan template (Word, 1MB)
Take a whole-school approach
Energy efficiency works best when the whole school community is involved. This includes students, site managers, kitchen, teaching and support staff.
You can get students involved by:
- having them lead energy-saving campaigns
- letting them help monitor energy usage in the classroom
- linking energy data to maths and science lessons
- using tools like smart meter data to support student-led projects
Cut energy use
Schools can reduce energy use by:
- adjusting start-up times for kitchen appliances
- reducing the number of fridges and freezers
- defrosting equipment on a set schedule
- setting clear policies for lights, heating and window
One Essex primary school saved over £16,000 on their electricity bill in one year using these measures and cut their consumption by 24%.
Similarly, gas consumption can be significantly reduced. One school saved nearly 50% on the previous year’s use during December and January, saving nearly £2000 in just two months, by adjusting boiler settings over the holidays and on Sundays and delaying the start and bringing forward the end time by 1 hour on weekdays.
Data from Energy Sparks shows around 45% of school electricity is used outside teaching hours.
Carry out an energy audit
Energy audits help schools identify where savings can be made and support long-term action. Involving staff and students from the start can help generate a commitment to long-term action.
Support with getting started:
- Let’s Go Zero Climate Action Advisors – free audits and advice for schools in Essex as part of their tailored 1 to 1 support with Climate Action Plans
- ECC School Energy Surveyors have delivered 100+ detailed audits to grant-maintained schools. Capacity is now limited, but maintained schools are invited to register in case resources become available email schoolenergyteam@essex.gov.uk
Additional tools and resources from ECC for all Essex schools
Below, are examples of detailed energy audit reports to give schools an idea on how to independently improve their energy efficiency. Thank you to the schools who have given permission to share these.
- Energy consumption analysis (PDF, 777KB)
- Energy survey (PDF, 22.2MB)
- Energy survey report (PDF, 17.4MB)
- Thermal images (PDF, 1.09MB)
Top tips and posters to display
Energy procurement
Improving your school's energy efficiency can reduce costs and emissions, making it a key part of your Climate Action Plan. While energy procurement may not lead to direct carbon savings relevant to the plan, it can still provide financial benefits and complements efficiency efforts.
Visit the Energy Procurement page.