Helping schools save energy

With energy bills remaining at high levels and pressure on all organisations in the public sector to reduce their carbon footprint, schools could get expert advice on energy saving from the lead trade association for heating contractors in the UK.

1 September 2010 – More and more schools now have autonomy in their financial management, controlling their own expenditure budget. One of the biggest areas of expenditure for any school is their utility bills with UK schools spending over £400 million a year on energy. Energy prices remain at high levels despite the fact that the “big six” energy giants have benefited from substantial falls in their wholesale costs – reductions they have stubbornly refused to pass on. This means the expenditure needed to provide heating, hot water and lighting is historically taking a much larger share of school funding – incentive enough to cut energy costs wherever possible. And since the Building Schools for the Future programme has been axed, the secondary schools that were going to be redeveloped to incorporate renewable technologies and new energy saving measures will have to find other ways to reduce energy – placing further pressure on schools. With over 1,400 member companies that are experts in the field of heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration, the Heating and Ventilating Contractors’ Association (HVCA) are well placed to help schools find ways to save energy. Robert Higgs, Chief Executive of the HVCA, comments, “Schools already use our members, typically when the heating fails or when it is time to upgrade all or part of the heating system. “But perhaps schools don’t think about calling in a local HVCA member for impartial advice on ways to cut energy costs, yet HVCA members will be only too pleased to give the benefit of their extensive knowledge and experience – and in almost all circumstances they will be able to identify potential savings.” HVCA recently issued a 10-point guide highlighting some simple measures that any organisation – including schools – can adopt to help reduce their energy consumption: 1. SWITCH OFF – Turning off computer equipment and other office appliances when they are not in use involves little effort. Leaving them on overnight wastes enough energy to run a small car for 100 miles. 2. SETTINGS – Ensure that computers are on energy-saving settings. Plug everything into a power strip so that, when you leave for the day, the whole desktop can be turned off at the flick of a switch. 3. REDUCE, REUSE, RECYCLE – Print on both sides of the paper. Recycle envelopes and labels. Turn scrap paper into notepads. 4. TURN DOWN – Turn your heating down by 1°C and save 10% on your heating bills. Make sure radiators are not being blocked by furniture. 5. LIGHTS OUT – Switch off any unnecessary lighting during the day, especially near windows and in corridors that do not require bright lighting. Around 80% of the UK’s total lighting energy is used in offices. 6. BE NATURAL – Position desks and workstations so as to make best use of natural light. 7. LAST OUT – Make the last person who leaves the premises responsible for turning everything off – including computers, printers, fans, drinks machines and, of course, lights. 8. DO NOT PRINT – Use e-mail or notice boards to share information instead of printed memos. Do not print out anything unless you really have to. 9. BAN PLASTIC – Opt for reusable crockery and glasses instead of plastic cups and disposable plates and cutlery. 10. GREEN FOR GO – Encourage colleagues to organise a “green travel plan”. This could include car sharing, cycling, walking to work in groups, etc. To help schools find their nearest HVCA members the Association has an easy to use ‘Locate an HVCA Contractor’ search facility on its website at: www.hvca.org.uk. Ends