There are about 32,000 schools in the UK,all using a lot of energy for heating, lighting and running equipment. All schools are forever trying to find ways to save money with government cuts making their situation even worse. The Carbon Trust, which is an independent expert organisation, estimates that UK schools could save a total of £44 million a year between them if they all practised good housekeeping for energy. That is a lot of money to be saved that could be put to better use, and here are just a few ways your school could save some money on utility bills.
Involve Your Students
Technology has entered education in a big way, but at a similar time the government raised the end of education age to 18. This puts more pressure on schools and colleges as there are more students needing places. Online courses have helped to some extent, but to gain qualifications online takes hard work, determination and self-discipline. For most young people, they will achieve more by attending a class-based course where they are guided to what they need to do.
Regardless of age though, you can involve your students in energy-saving plans. Even getting junior children to make posters for display in the school will make them more aware that they should not be wasteful where energy is concerned. It could even be part of a maths lesson where they are taught to understand utility bills, and then calculate what is being spent.
Involving your students with your efforts to reduce energy consumption will pay dividends and you will find they take more care with what they use and what they turn off when something is not in use.
Change EnergySuppliers
There is no rule that says schools have to use a certain supplier of power. They have the choice to consider the different energy for schools deals just like anyone else. This is where comparison sites like Utility Bidder can help as they are committed to helping schools save money on their energy costs by finding them the best deals around. They will take all the hard work of making the switch to another supplier off your shoulders if it turns out your school is paying more for energy than it needs to.
Energy Audits
If you are not sure where most power is being wasted, an energy audit will give you the answer. Some local authorities will arrange this for schools without any charge, as they realise just how important reducing energy bills is. They will also offer guidance on ways to reduce electricity usage in schools which, when you consider all the ICT equipment used in education these days, can be a considerable amount.
Saving Money for Other Things
There are always things schools need to spend money on, and some of them are more important than energy. Saving money in this area will free up funds to help finance some of the things that really matter, and help to make the finances of the school less stressful.