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Saving Energy Will Help Your School Save Money

EnergyFrom 1st of April 2010 the Carbon Reduction Commitment (Energy Efficiency Scheme) came into effect requiring high-energy users such as Councils to purchase Carbon Credits. The Council has responsibility for monitoring and reporting energy use and purchasing credits for its entire property portfolio including schools.

The performance of the Council in reducing energy use will be published in a national league table with good performance rewarded and poor performance punished through a repayment mechanism.

This percentage reward/fine increases annually over time to encourage improved performance by participants. Participation in the scheme is mandatory and failure to comply with the legislation can result in significant fines and possible criminal charges in the extreme.

Schools make up 17% the Council’s energy use and therefore are a significant contributor to our total carbon emissions. A typical Primary School spends approximately £25,000 per annum on energy.

Through adopting a basic energy efficiency strategy using no cost/low cost measures, schools should be able to save approximately 20% resulting in a minimum annual saving of £5,000 per annum.

Help and support is available to Schools in terms of technical advice and grant assistance from the Council Salix Fund.

• Energy/Technical Advice – Mike Knox
• Salix Funding – Claire Bell