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How Schools Can Improve Energy Efficiency Over Summer
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Kate McCann
- 2 minute read
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As schools and educational institutions across the UK prepare for the six-week holidays, the extended period of closure offers a valuable opportunity to focus on one of their most significant overheads: energy usage.
With buildings largely unoccupied and regular activities on pause, the summer holidays present the ideal time to assess consumption, implement efficiency measures, and put better energy contracts in place – setting the stage for a more cost-effective and sustainable new academic year.
This period also offers a practical opportunity for schools to make meaningful progress towards increasingly urgent net zero goals amid growing expectations to reduce carbon emissions and operate more responsibly within the public sector framework.
Strategic Summer Audit
Many schools continue to consume energy during the holidays without realising it. Lighting, IT equipment, water heating systems and ventilation may continue running on term-time settings, even when not needed. These inefficiencies accumulate quickly, resulting in avoidable costs.
A well-planned shutdown strategy helps avoid this. By ensuring non-essential systems are fully turned off or set to operate on reduced schedules, schools can significantly lower their energy use. Simple steps like adjusting timers, unplugging unused appliances, and ensuring building management systems reflect holiday occupancy patterns can all yield quick wins.
Secure a Competitive Energy Deal
The six-week holidays also offer an ideal time to review your energy procurement strategy. Many schools are locked into outdated or non-competitive contracts, missing out on potential savings. With the volatility of the energy market, now is the time to act.
0Schools that regularly review their contracts can benefit from more competitive rates, fixed pricing options, and supply arrangements that better reflect their usage profiles. Understanding historic consumption patterns and aligning procurement to school term structures is key to achieving value for money and greater budget certainty.
Install Energy Efficiency Measures
Upgrading your site with energy-efficient technologies is far easier when classrooms are empty. The summer holidays allow for seamless installation of solutions that would otherwise be disruptive during term time. Popular improvements include:
- LED lighting upgrades, reducing energy usage and maintenance costs.
- Smart heating and cooling controls, enabling more efficient temperature management.
- Renewable energy measures, such as solar panels to improve efficiency and lower usage.
Leverage IoT to Monitor and Manage Usage
Installing Internet of Things (IoT) technology can further boost your school’s efficiency. These systems monitor real-time energy, gas, and water consumption and allow for proactive management through custom dashboards and alerts.
With access to live data, schools can identify usage spikes, uncover hidden faults, and validate the effectiveness of any changes made. Over time, this data builds a clear picture of consumption trends, supporting better planning and accountability across departments and sites.
The six-week holidays offer a unique chance to prepare your school for a more efficient and cost-effective year ahead. At BP Consulting, we help schools and educational organisations take practical, strategic steps towards greater energy efficiency, cost savings, and sustainability efforts. With our specialist knowledge and quick turnaround times, we can help you make impactful changes during this short but crucial window.
To discuss how we can help your school or trust over the summer break, get in touch today, or book a tailored consultation and take the next steps for your institutions energy.