Energy Saving Tips for Schools

Energy and education go hand in hand. One of the largest expenses in running schools and nurseries is energy. This makes an effective energy conservation plan essential for all learning environments. 

Between kitchens, digital learning resources and general operations (keeping the lights on), there are a lot of drains on the energy supply of a school (even when compared with other commercial industries). This blog will offer some energy saving ideas for schools, so you can help your establishment balance the budget and keep education alive!

Optimise lighting

Lighting, like anywhere else, is one of the most significant energy-related costs of running a school. Here are effective strategies for reducing lighting expenses: 

• Layout classrooms to take advantage of natural light
• Keep windows and skylights clean
• Switch off lights when rooms are empty or the sun is bright (encourage students to monitor this) 
• Install occupancy sensors or timers to automatically turn off when areas are unoccupied 
• Upgrade to more energy efficient lighting installations (LEDs)

These tips can all help to reduce the burden of lighting on the overall lighting bill. 

Heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) tips

Schools, while not subject to their own specific temperature laws, do have to operate to the same standard as other workplaces, maintaining temperatures of at least 16°C” (60°F) and recommended to be 18ºC (64.4ºF). Children need to be comfortable to learn properly, however, this can be a significant cost. Tips for minimising HVAC bills can include: 

• Maintaining temperatures as close to reasonable as possible, not higher or lower unnecessarily
• Install thermostats and enforce the maintenance of set figures
• Ventilate classrooms properly
• Maintain the quality of HVAC systems with clean and replaced filters
• Seal any air leaks or draughts promptly
• Invest in proper insulation

These solutions might all cost some money initially, but they’ll conserve energy for education in the long term. 

Appliances and equipment optimisation

There are countless appliances and items of equipment in the average educational institution. Energy conservation can seem impossible when you have to maintain a full working kitchen, staffroom refrigerators, electric interactive whiteboards, dishwashers, washing machines. However, some mindful choices can make a difference, like:  

• Buying energy-efficient appliances and monitoring performance consistently
• Turn off computers and other equipment when not in use
• Unplug any chargers and power cables when they’re not in use
• Lower the water temperature of boilers and other water-heating devices

Being conscious of your equipment is a pillar in energy saving tools. 

General energy conservation strategies for schools

Along with these more specific concepts, there are some very general concepts that every school manager should consider. 

• Finding the cheapest business gas supplier: Research and switch to cost-effective energy providers. Get a free, no-obligation energy quote from our experts. 
• Conduct energy audits: Schedule regular energy audit for schools to identify further savings opportunities. 
• Educate students and staff on sustainability: This will all help contribute to long-term energy savings at your school. 

Visit our blog today for more insights into the energy landscape of the 21st century!