How Schools and Academies Can Reduce Energy Costs

Quick Answer: Schools and academies can reduce energy costs by improving heating controls, upgrading lighting, cutting unnecessary electricity use, maintaining building systems and reviewing their energy arrangements regularly.

Schools and academies must manage budgets carefully while maintaining safe, comfortable and effective learning environments. Energy is a major ongoing cost, particularly across sites with several buildings, kitchens, sports facilities and ICT suites.

Energy use cannot simply be cut without thought. Classrooms must remain warm, corridors safely lit and essential technology available. The goal is to remove waste while protecting comfort, safeguarding and learning. A well-planned approach to school energy consumption can deliver savings, improve building performance and make future budgeting more predictable.

Why are school energy costs rising?

School energy costs are influenced by a mixture of building conditions, changing technology, operational demands and wider market pressures. Even schools that have already introduced energy-saving measures may find that their overall bills continue to rise.

Heating large school buildings

Many schools occupy large, complex sites containing classrooms, halls, offices, sports spaces and older buildings built to different standards from generations long since past.

Heating these areas evenly and efficiently can be difficult. Some rooms may become too warm while others remain cold, particularly where heating systems have been extended or altered over time. High ceilings, large windows and long corridors can increase heat demand beyond many other sectors.

If controls are not set correctly, heating may start too early, run too long or continue serving empty areas across the campus.

Increased electricity use from technology

Teaching now relies heavily on digital equipment, all of which contribute to electricity consumption.

• Interactive displays
• Laptops
• Charging stations
• Servers
• Printers
• Projectors
• Security systems
• Classroom devices 

 Across a large school, the combined demand can be significant, especially when equipment remains on overnight, during weekends or throughout holidays.

Growing technology use can also increase cooling and ventilation needs, particularly in server rooms and heavily used ICT or digital learning suites. This means that one increase in electricity demand may create another, making active monitoring even more important.

Higher utility prices affecting education budgets

Changes in wholesale energy prices, network charges, levies, global events and contract terms can all affect what schools pay. Even when consumption remains stable, total cost may rise because the unit price is higher.

This places pressure on budgets already committed to staffing, maintenance and pupil support. Schools can respond by understanding usage and reviewing arrangements before renewal dates.

Ageing buildings and inefficient infrastructure

Older school buildings often lose heat through roofs, walls, windows and doors. They may also rely on outdated boilers, inefficient lighting or heating controls that offer limited flexibility.

Not every improvement needs major investment. Better settings, maintenance and monitoring can reduce waste before refurbishment is considered. Where capital work is needed, schools can prioritise the areas with the clearest evidence of heat loss, repeated faults or excessive consumption.

Where do schools waste the most energy?

Energy waste often develops through daily habits that go unchanged over time, as well as poor controls and outdated settings.

Empty classrooms still being heated

Timetables change throughout the day, but heating schedules do not always change with them. Rooms may be heated during free periods, after lessons have ended or throughout parts of the school holidays.

Zoned controls and adjusted timings can match heat delivery to actual occupancy without making classrooms uncomfortable.

Lighting left on after school hours

Many parts of schools are often lit longer than necessary, such as corridors, classrooms, toilets, offices, and storage areas. This may happen because staff assume someone else will switch lights off or because older buildings have large groups of lights controlled by a single switch.

Occupancy sensors, clear labelling, end-of-day checks and LED upgrades can all help lighting efficiency.

ICT suites and office equipment on standby

Standby power can become a hidden cost when hundreds of devices are involved. Computers, monitors, printers, interactive screens and chargers may continue drawing electricity even when they are not being used.

Automatic shutdown settings can reduce overnight consumption while keeping essential systems active. IT teams should identify which devices genuinely require power for updates in aspects such as security or remote access, rather than applying one rule to every item.

Poor insulation and heat loss

Heat can escape through poorly insulated roofs, walls, floors, windows and external doors. Draughts around entrances can be particularly costly in busy schools where doors open frequently.

Improving insulation helps buildings retain warmth longer, reducing the energy needed to maintain a comfortable temperature, whatever the season. Draught proofing and basic repairs can also provide quick improvements.

Inefficient heating controls

A modern boiler can still waste energy if the controls are poorly set. Incorrect timings, high temperature settings and heating systems that operate as one large zone can all increase consumption.

Controls should reflect actual occupancy, building use and weather conditions. They should also be checked regularly rather than treated as a one-time setup.

Energy saving tips for schools that deliver long-term results

Replace outdated lighting with LEDs

• LED lighting can reduce electricity use compared with traditional fluorescent or halogen fittings. It also tends to require less frequent replacement, which can lower maintenance demands.
• Upgrades can begin in areas with the longest operating hours, such as corridors, offices and communal spaces. 
• Phased replacement can help spread costs while ensuring the busiest parts of the site deliver savings first and foremost.

Optimise heating schedules

• Heating schedules should match the school day as closely as possible. Systems do not always need to start several hours before pupils arrive, particularly if the building retains heat well.
• Schools should review start times, finish times and weekend settings, then make gradual adjustments while monitoring comfort levels.

Use smart thermostats and heating controls

• Smart controls can provide more accurate scheduling and better visibility over individual zones. They can help prevent one part of the building from being heated simply because another area is occupied. 
• All advanced controls must be understood and actively managed by trained staff.

Turn off unused equipment automatically

• Automatic shutdown policies can reduce electricity use without relying entirely on individual behaviour. 
• Computers and displays can be programmed to power down after a period of inactivity or at a set time each evening.

Reduce standby power overnight

• Where automatic shutdown is not suitable, staff can use clear switch-off procedures. 
• Labels near plugs, shutdown checklists and designated responsibility can make routines easier to follow.

Improve insulation around older buildings

• Roof insulation, cavity wall improvements, secondary glazing and draught proofing can reduce heat loss. The most suitable option will depend on the age and construction of the building.

Make better use of natural daylight

• Classrooms with good natural light may not need full electric lighting throughout the day. 
• Staff can be encouraged to open blinds and switch off lights where daylight is sufficient.

Maintain boilers and HVAC systems

• Regular servicing helps heating, ventilation and cooling equipment operate as intended. 
• Blocked filters, poorly balanced systems and unresolved faults can all increase energy consumption.

Encourage energy-saving behaviour among staff and pupils

Technology and building upgrades matter, but everyday behaviour also does. 

• Pupils and staff can be encouraged to switch off lights, close windows when heating is on and report rooms that feel unusually hot or cold.
• Visible campaigns, classroom reminders, and pupil-led projects are engaging approaches that can turn energy saving into a shared responsibility.

Review your business energy contract regularly

• Schools should not wait until the final weeks of an agreement before reviewing their options. 
• Starting earlier allows more time to assess current consumption, understand renewal dates and consider budget requirements.
• Regular reviews can also help identify whether the existing arrangement still reflects the school’s operating pattern and plans.

Energy-saving measures and their benefits

Many measures deliver more than one benefit. LED lighting can cut consumption and maintenance, while better heating controls can improve comfort and efficiency.

School energy management strategies

Monitor energy usage every month

Monthly monitoring helps schools identify unusual increases in energy expenditure, as well as seasonal patterns and changes linked to building use. Ideally, compare consumption with the same period in previous years, while allowing for weather and occupancy differences. It is also useful to record changes such as new equipment, extended opening hours or building work, as these can explain shifts in demand.

A sudden increase may indicate a fault, a control issue or equipment being left on. Spotting this quickly allows the school to investigate before unnecessary consumption continues across several billing periods.

Carry out regular energy audits

An energy audit reviews how and where energy is used across the site. It can highlight inefficient equipment, poor settings, heat loss and opportunities for practical improvements.

Set annual energy reduction targets

Clear targets give schools something measurable to work towards. Targets should be realistic, linked to a baseline of success and reviewed throughout the year. Breaking an annual goal into termly milestones can make progress easier to understand and maintain.

They may focus on different figures, such as broader measures like overall consumption or carbon emissions, along with more specific areas like overnight electricity use.

Appoint an energy champion

An energy champion can coordinate monitoring, encourage staff participation and keep energy performance visible. This responsibility may sit with a site manager, business manager or sustainability lead.

Track consumption using smart meter data

Smart meter data can provide a more detailed view of when energy is being used. This makes it easier to spot overnight demand, weekend consumption and unexpected peaks.

How better school energy efficiency reduces running costs

Lower heating costs

Reducing heat loss and improving schedules means boilers don’t need to work as hard or run as long. This can have a major impact because heating is often one of the largest areas of school energy use.

Reduce unnecessary electricity usage

Automatic controls, efficient lighting and stronger shutdown routines can remove electricity use that provides no educational or operational benefit.

Improve building performance

A more efficient building is often easier to manage. Temperatures may become more consistent, equipment may operate more reliably, and faults may be identified sooner.

Support sustainability goals

Energy reduction can contribute to wider carbon and sustainability plans. It also gives schools practical examples to use within environmental education and pupil engagement.

Why schools should review their business energy contracts

Energy efficiency and contract management should work together. A school may reduce consumption but still face unnecessary costs if its agreement no longer suits its needs.

Regular reviews give decision-makers time to check renewal dates, notice periods, pricing structures and expected future usage. This is particularly important where a multi-academy trust manages several sites, as consumption patterns and contract dates may differ across the estate. Bringing this information together can clarify budgeting and help leadership teams avoid rushed decisions close to expiry.

Reviewing arrangements early can also support more accurate budgeting. Schools can consider planned building work, changes in pupil numbers, new technology and extended opening hours before committing to a future agreement.

Build an energy-aware school culture

Lasting improvement depends on people, not just systems. Staff and pupils should understand why energy matters and what actions they can take.

Schools can share monthly progress, create class challenges, include energy topics in assemblies and invite pupils to help identify waste. Simple messages are often most effective; start with something like switching lights off or closing external doors throughout the day.

The aim is to create a culture where waste is noticed and sensible action becomes routine. Progress can be shared through assemblies, newsletters or noticeboards so pupils and staff can see the impact of their efforts.

How D-ENERGi Supports Schools and Academies

D-ENERGi works with schools, nurseries, academies and multi-academy trusts to help them understand their energy requirements and manage their supply arrangements more effectively.

Support can include reviewing usage, discussing future needs, identifying important dates and considering suitable options across one or several sites.

By combining better visibility over consumption with regular contract reviews, schools can make more informed decisions and protect more of their budget for teaching, staffing and pupil support. For more insights into the world of business energy, covering school settings and a variety of different sectors, check out our blog today!

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best energy saving tips for schools?

The best starting points are usually heating optimisation, LED lighting, automatic equipment shutdown, improved insulation and regular monitoring. Schools should prioritise areas with high usage and clear evidence of waste.

How can schools reduce energy costs without affecting learning?

Schools can focus on energy that is being used unnecessarily rather than reducing essential services. Heating empty rooms, leaving lights on overnight and keeping equipment on standby can all be addressed without affecting teaching quality.

What uses the most energy in a school?

Heating is often one of the largest energy demands, particularly in older or poorly insulated buildings. Lighting, kitchens, ICT equipment, ventilation and sports facilities can also account for a significant share.

How can schools improve energy efficiency?

Schools can improve efficiency by combining building upgrades, better controls, planned maintenance, staff engagement and regular analysis of consumption data. The strongest results usually come from a coordinated plan rather than isolated changes.

Why review school energy contracts?

Regular reviews help schools understand renewal dates, compare available arrangements and make decisions based on current and expected usage. Beginning the process early also supports more effective budgeting and reduces the risk of rushed decisions.