SCHOOLS
Schools are major users of energy so there are many good reasons for introducing energy efficiency measures and energy management into their day-to-day running. Schools also offer a great potential to make pupils, as well as staff and parents, become more aware of environmental issues and learn about using energy sustainability. Evidence shows that children who become more energy aware through their schools are also most likely to influence energy behaviour in their homes.
Our Approach
Energy Solutions works closely with local schools in North West London to help them reduce their overall energy consumption. We take a two-fold approach to energy reduction and provide a number of services to schools.
- Directly reducing energy consumption from school buildings and facilities
We offer a comprehensive energy auditing service to determine a schools baseline energy consumption. This enables us to identify areas for improvement and provide a strategy for installing the most appropriate energy conservation measures and renewable technologies. All our strategies offer cost effective solutions that will enable a school to reduce its energy consumption and fuel bills, make real carbon savings and offer educational benefits.
- Education and awareness raising
Through a combination of free advice, projects, workshops and events we can educate both staff and pupils on energy, environmental and sustainability issues and also engage parents and the local community in environmental initiatives.
Energy Solutions has been an active partner in two European wide projects aimed at improving energy efficiency and energy awareness in educational establishments.
Funding Opportunities
Energy Solutions can assist schools in finding appropriate funding sources that will enable your energy projects to come to life. We can signpost schools to appropriate grants and loans or provide a full project management service including completing funding applications on your behalf. Our skills and experience in this area mean that we are almost always successful in our applications.
Helping you access interest free loans through the SALIX Fund
Salix Finance provides interest free funding to accelerate investment in energy efficiency technologies across the UK public sector including schools. The fund was established by the Carbon Trust to enable Public Sector bodies to improve energy efficiency, attain targets, reduce energy bills and raise green credentials. Interest free grants are offered for energy efficiency projects that can demonstrate real carbon savings within a specified payback period; 3.4 years on average. Common measures include lighting upgrades and installation of modulating burners for existing heating plant.
We can aid any school wishing to apply for Salix funding by seeking quotations from contractors and then managing and processing an application to Salix. For more information contact us or visit the Salix web site.
Helping you understand Solar Leasing Arrangements and Feed in Tariffs (FITs)
Energy Solutions are able to review the different options available to schools wishing to install solar panels who are unable to access grants or cannot afford the high capital costs.
Feed In Tariffs (FITs) were introduced in 2010 as a scheme that guarantees a minimum payment for all electricity generated by small scale renewable systems as well as a separate payment if the electricity is exported to the grid. These payments can amount to as much as 44.3p for every kilowatt hour generated.
Since their introduction many companies have developed services directed at schools interested in installing solar photovoltaic panels upon their roofs who are unable to meet the full costs associated with installation. There is a wide variation in the costs and revenues associated with the different schemes which can make choosing the right product for you extremely confusing. Energy Solutions can help you decide by conducting an analysis of any investment costs involved and the projected financial benefits of all the products on the market to help you make a well informed decision.
Helping you choose the right renewable energy technology for your school
Installing renewable energy technologies such as wind turbines, solar panels and biomass boilers allow schools to reduce their CO2 emissions and reduce their energy bills. They also provide an excellent educational resource for students learning about issues such as sustainable development and the science behind energy.
Energy Solutions can conduct a feasibility study to review the full range of renewable energy options for your school.
This service includes:
• A technical options appraisal on ground source heat pumps, solar water heating, photovoltaics and wind power systems that may be appropriate for your building
• An evaluation of the potential role of renewables in minimising running costs of the building
• An economic assessment of the investment costs and benefits relating to the installation of selected options, including potential sources of funding
• An assessment of the environmental, social and planning issues associated with each option
• Advice on raising the awareness of energy efficiency and renewable energy within the local community and the building’s users
We can also offer a number of other services including writing travel plans and energy, environmental and sustainability polices for schools. In addition we can assist in ensuring your school is legally compliant with all relative energy and environmental legislation including Display Energy Certificates and Part L building regulation compliance.
If you are interested in any of our services please contact us for a free consultation and initial walk round energy audit.