UK schools to cut energy use

Hundreds of schools across England have signed up to take part in the Carbon Trust’s recently announced energy saving challenge.

The Trust’s Collaborative Low Carbon Schools Service will help over 400 schools in 52local authorities tackle the sector’s £543 million annual energy bill.

Through the implementation of simple, cost-effective energy saving measures like switching off lights when not in use and installing more efficient heating systems, the initiative aims to save up to £40 million in costs and 270,000 tonnes of carbon.

The pilot programme will run for 10 months, with the aim of saving schools up to 25% on their energy bills. The Carbon Trust will offer an expert advice on installing measures like energy efficient lighting and heating.

On average, a typical secondary school could save £21,500 a year in energy costs – almost as much as employing a newly qualified teacher.

“The Carbon Trust’s work with local authorities shows that schools can play a pivotal role in helping the public sector to save millions of pounds while slashing carbon emissions,” says Richard Rugg, director of Carbon Trust Programmes.