More than 32,000 schools in the UK are feeling the sharp increase in energy prices. School leaders and governors face tough months ahead due to the energy crisis.
Managing a school is demanding. The job becomes more challenging due to the ever-rising energy costs. So, how do you save money on school energy?
The quick answer is: Find the best energy deal tailored to the needs of your school. You can find help using a business energy comparison tool to see your options.
Provide the name of your school and your energy usage. That is all it takes to get a list of quotes. You can then start looking for an energy provider to help you cut energy costs. There are no complex moths to solve.
Energy Costs in a Regular School
Energy use in school is different and varies from one school to another. The common factors that affect energy consumption are:
- Building age
- Condition or state of repair
- The type of electrical equipment installed
- Hours of occupancy
Energy costs in secondary schools are higher compared with primary schools. It is because secondary schools have larger buildings and more classrooms. They also have a higher student population and longer school hours.
Compare your energy costs and usage using these factors to see how you can reduce your utility expenses. Using a benchmark can help determine how to make your school energy-efficient.
7 Ways to Reduce Your School’s Energy Bill
The UK’s House of Commons Library said that school gas and electricity prices increased by 83%. Some schools report that their energy bills rose by a staggering 300%. To combat this, schools can reduce expenses on their utilities by being energy smart.
There are many ways your school can reduce its energy usage and bills. These tips will help you manage the energy costs issue. These will also help make sure you will have no school leavers.
Here are seven simple yet crucial energy-saving tips for schools from Herefordshire Council. The agency recommends these to help schools in energy use reduction. These are easy to carry out, yet they provide immediate school benefits.
Label all the light switches.
It is not uncommon for schools to install many light switches in rooms. Put a label on the light switches not used during the daytime. Leaving up to 30% of lights off can save up to 12% of the school’s electricity bill.
Turn off the lights in all unoccupied rooms.
Switch off all lighting when they are not needed. As much as possible, try to use more natural light indoors. Use what is necessary to save up to 10% of your bill. A large or clear glass window is a great way to do this.
Provide active labelling of all equipment, from switches to plugs. It lets users know what they can turn off. Knowing what to leave off saves your school up to 5% of your bill.
Reduce your electrical load during out-of-school hours.
Turn off electrical items when the school is out to avoid energy wastage. Reducing electrical load can save up to 20% of your bill.
Adjust heating times to fit with school hours.
It minimizes the wastage of fuels, emissions, and costs. By reducing heating, you can reduce energy costs by 10%.
Keep doors and windows closed when the heating is on.
Maintain and adjust the thermostats in rooms to the proper temperature. A difference of 1° Celsius can increase or reduce heating expenses by 10%.
Encourage proper clothes for the weather.
Appropriate dressing is better than turning up the heating. Your heating costs can increase by 10% when you turn up the thermostat by 1° Celsius.
Create an action plan with realistic targets. Get the school community to take part in energy-saving activities. Make a school awareness drive so we can also convince them to contribute to the effort.
How You Can Further Ease the Impact of Energy Price Hikes
Schools have three primary areas where they can put changes in place. These will help lessen their carbon emissions and save money, too.
Reduce energy usage.
Lower your energy consumption to save costs and minimize carbon emissions. Improve energy usage through measures like installing LED lighting and building management systems.
Your school can also conduct efforts that will make the facility energy-efficient. Conduct a whole school audit to get ideas on reducing energy consumption.
Generate renewable energy.
Schools can generate renewable energy. They have large roofs that they can use to install solar PV. Solar panels enable schools to produce electricity for 25 years or more.
Procure energy.
Buying energy is a complicated process. Your school must procure energy in a compliant way. Buy school energy through a framework approved by the Department for Education.
Understand the quotes you get and make sure to compare them. Do not let your contracts lapse because the costs are high.
Are You Considering Switching Energy Providers?
If your contract with your current energy provider is ending, consider changing suppliers. Contact a business energy switching team to see your options.
Your school can choose from different business energy plans. Two of the most popular contracts are fixed-rate and variable-rate tariffs.
In fixed-rate contracts, you pay your supplier a fixed price throughout your plan. With a variable rate, the cost of your energy unit will vary during the contract period.
Rates are often competitive in a fixed-rate plan. You need to run a comparison to find out if you are getting the best deal. The variable-rate tariff plan can be beneficial if wholesale energy prices are low. Between the two, the fixed-rate contract offers more security.
Finding the best business energy deal for your school is urgent due to soaring energy costs. Saving money on your energy bill can do a lot for your institution.
Final Thoughts
Creating an energy-efficient school improves the learning environment. But it can be impossible with increased energy costs and reduced school budgets. But you can begin with policies that have a positive environmental impact.
Initiate a combined effort by school administrators, staff, teachers, and students. Start with low-cost measures and work your way toward equipment upgrades.
Every effort can make a tremendous impact in reducing energy consumption and costs. The benefits you get are not only economical but environmental as well.