Energy Saving Tips at School
Reducing
your energy bill doesn’t have to mean investing in expensive technologies or making major alterations.
Take a walk around your school and see how where energy is being used and spot where efficiency
savings can be made. Engage with staff and pupils, raise awareness of what you are doing and why,
and implement some simple good housekeeping. Our top tips below will give you a start.
Raise awareness
- Display posters and stickers
- Engage the students to turn off lights and computer equipment – could you appoint energy monitors?
Heating and Cooling
- Adjust time settings to ensure heating matches occupancy patterns.
- Do not over heat; recommended temperature is 19 – 20°C.
- Ensure the property has sufficient insulation.
- Ensure pipes and cylinders are adequately insulated.
Lighting
- Switch off unnecessary lights.
- Make full use of daylight – ensure windows and skylights are cleaned and curtains opened.
- Use the most efficient lighting – compact fluorescent lamps save about 80% of the energy and last longer.
Download Appropriate
Lighting Tips (.pdf) for more information.
Appliances and Equipment
- Do not switch on computers, printers and other appliances until you need them.
- Do switch off – You can make savings of up to 75% if you switch off equipment at night and the weekend.
- Turn off the monitor when computers are unused during break and lunch times.
- Fitting timers can provide significant energy savings on equipment such as photocopiers, vending machines and water coolers.
Saving Water
Taps
- Dripping taps may seem a small problem but it drips 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, which can add up to a lot of water!
- Fit self closing taps, removing the possibility of wasted water from staff and students not turning off the tap.
- Fit a flow restrictor, as many taps give an unnecessarily high flow.
- Provide plugs for washing hands, dishes or food.
Toilets
- Use a cistern volume reducer inserted into toilet cisterns and save water with every flush
- For boy’s toilets, consider installing a flush control system.
For
more information download Top Tips for Schools (.pdf)
What else can I do?
Energy is just one resource your school uses. Why not
see how much water savings you can make, or waste you can recycle.
The
Carbon Trust – works with organisations to reduce carbon emissions and develop commercial low
carbon technologies. They offer a variety of free resources to help raise awareness in your business,
support and information on saving energy, funding for energy efficiency projects; and an on-line calculator
to find out your businesses carbon footprint. For general enquiries contact the Carbon Trust on:
Tel: 0800 085 2005 Web: www.carbontrust.co.uk
Leicestershire
County Council Highways, Transport and Waste Management department have initiatives for schools to reduce
their waste. To find out more contact Penny Marshall, Tel: 0116 2658280.
Would
you like help to save energy and water at school contact the Energy Services Team for information, resources
and support including a copy of the Practical Guide. Tel: 0116 3055995 Email: energyandwater@leics.gov.uk.
Green
Schools
Leicestershire County and District Council’s are involved with
the Eco-Schools campaign. For further information see Eco Schools or talk to a member
if the Environmental Action team on 0116 3057332.
In Leicester City, schools
work towards a School EMAS accreditation. For further information please call Groundwork Leicester and
Leicestershire, 0116 222 0222.
Groundwork
Leicester and Leicestershire run both of these programmes on behalf of the Councils. Tel: 0116
222 0222 Web:
www.gwll.org.uk
Page Last Updated: 6 May 2009
