Energy savings are important for schools, which are typically large consumers of energy. Lighting alone accounts for almost 50% of the energy usage in schools. By securing the best deals on utilities contracts, schools can free up funds to allocate to other areas.

Electricity and gas are two key areas where schools can save energy and money. Comparing prices on utility bills is essential to unlocking potential savings. There are often deals available that schools may be missing out on. Companies can assist schools in finding the best deals by getting quotes, comparing contracts, and negotiating on their behalf.

Saving on electricity for schools is a simple way for educational institutions to save millions of pounds annually. Schools have the freedom to choose where they buy their energy from, but many don’t take advantage of this opportunity to save. Management can allocate money saved on energy to other areas related to education. Lighting, which accounts for nearly 50% of electricity use, is a good place to start looking for savings. For more electricity saving tips for schools, go to Utility Bidder's website.

Electricity Costs in Schools

According to the Department of Education, smaller educational institutions spend about £27,000 yearly on energy consumption, while bigger institutions can spend up to £80,000. To reduce these expenses, schools can take a cue from businesses and shop around for better energy tariffs. However, it is not just about finding cheaper rates; schools should also focus on reducing energy consumption from within. Although it might appear straightforward, doing this can be difficult. The following are energy saving tips for schools:

• Encourage the entire school community to participate in energy-saving efforts and allow students to brainstorm and suggest ideas for securing energy savings.
• Consider replacing desktop computers with laptops, as the latter consumes significantly less energy.
• Opt for LED lighting as it is more energy-efficient compared to traditional lighting.
• Turn off lights when they are not needed to avoid unnecessary energy consumption.
• Install a timer for heaters that turn on in the morning and off at night to prevent energy wastage.
• Ensure that buildings are appropriately insulated to minimize heat loss and reduce energy consumption.

Green Energy for Schools

By adopting straightforward energy saving measures, such as installing solar PV panels, UK schools have the potential to save about £44 million yearly in energy costs and reduce their CO2 emissions by 625,000 tons yearly. These measures not only reduce costs but also improve conditions for students.

Educational institutions have to optimize their financial resources while offering students with an excellent education. Investing in sustainability, such as through solar panels, can save money and free up funds for curricular resources or facilities. Solar panels offer several benefits for schools, making them an ideal choice. The Department for Energy & Climate Change (DECC) has identified three key benefits:

Reduced electricity bills: Installing solar panels can lead to significant savings on electricity bills, enabling schools to allocate more resources towards educational and recreational programmes instead of energy costs. With a lifespan of over 40 years, the savings are likely to be substantial and long-lasting.

Reduced CO2 emissions: Solar panels can also help schools combat climate change by significantly reducing their greenhouse gas emissions. For instance, by cutting greenhouse gas emissions by several kilograms annually, a medium-sized solar panel system can considerably reduce CO2 emissions over the system's lifetime.

Education and engagement: Implementing solar panels can provide a practical example of renewable technology within the school, allowing students to learn about sustainability in a more direct and engaging way. This can encourage pupils to take action toward climate change, particularly those pursuing geology, science, design, and technology, as well as information technology. Additionally, this can help to raise awareness of sustainability within the wider community.

Financing Options

Power purchase agreements (PPAs) have emerged as a preferred financing option for schools and academies looking to install solar panels. This solution involves the installation of a free solar PV system financed by a PPA provider, subject to specific criteria regarding energy usage and roof space.

After installation, the solar panel system's electricity is then sold again to the school at a price considerably less than its existing costs for energy, resulting in significant energy bill savings. This approach offers all the benefits of solar PV with no upfront cost to the school or academy, as they rent their roof and purchase discounted solar electricity instead of investing in a solar PV system of their own.

In Conclusion

In conclusion, schools can benefit greatly from implementing energy-saving measures, such as shopping around for better energy tariffs, reducing energy consumption, and adopting green energy solutions like solar PV panels. By doing so, they can significantly reduce their energy costs, free up funds for other educational resources, and reduce their carbon footprint. Power purchase agreements (PPAs) have emerged as a popular financing option for schools to install solar panels and benefit from discounted solar electricity without any upfront costs. With the potential to save millions of pounds annually and reduce CO2 emissions, it is crucial for schools to prioritize energy and utility deals that make sense.