Energy

Measure energy use

How about starting by identifying energy use, and measuring your school’s carbon footprint? Set a baseline for improvement.

Get your energy bills out and do an energy audit, and get students involved – here’s a how to from TES.

Use software platforms such as Zellar to track energy use and emissions.

Fit a smart meter to make tracking easier.

Prioritise efficiency

Reduce energy where you can by switching to LED lights, with automated off switches where appropriate.

Use energy efficient appliances and computers.

Ultimately the building itself will determine how efficiently the school uses energy. Look into efficient windows and doors, insulation and low carbon heating.

The government’s guidance on school energy efficiency is here.

Set good habits

Behaviour change can also save energy, and this is a good way to involve the student body.

Appoint energy monitors in classes or forms. Put up reminders to switch off lights. Involve the eco-team in awareness raising.

Talk about energy efficiency at home too – many households are struggling with costs.

See Energy Sparks for activity ideas, or the lesson plans from the Energy Saving Trust

Generate your own

In the long term, generating more of your own power will give you greater control over energy use, and dramatically lower running costs into the future.

See Solar for Schools for more on how to fund and design a solar programme for your school. They also have educational resources on solar power.

You can also switch your energy supplier to renewable energy.