Habs Boys and Girls Schools are leading independent day schools in Elstree, catering to students aged 4 to 18. With a large estate and extensive facilities, the schools were looking to measure and improve their energy efficiency to reduce operating costs and carbon emissions as part of their sustainability objectives. Barker, an education-specialist property consultancy, was selected to conduct a comprehensive energy audit and provide actionable recommendations.
The schools needed a thorough assessment of their energy usage to identify opportunities for efficiency improvements. The goal was to reduce carbon emissions and operating costs while aligning with the schools’ sustainability objectives. Barker was chosen for their expertise in delivering cost-effective and sustainable solutions for educational institutions.
The energy audit revealed several areas for improvement, including high gas usage across the estate, particularly outside of core operating hours. Barker conducted a gas monitoring survey, identifying opportunities for simple adjustments to heating controls. Additionally, the audit recommended low energy lighting and solar PV installations, which were incorporated into the schools’ 5-year estate master plan and capital programme. The challenge was to implement these recommendations in a way that minimized disruption to the schools’ operations.
The heating controls optimisation cost around £5,000 and will save Habs Boys and Girls Schools around £50,000 per annum on gas utilities. The new energy-efficient systems will also significantly reduce the schools’ carbon footprint over the medium term. The successful project underscores Barker’s commitment to providing sustainable and cost-effective solutions for independent schools, helping them achieve their sustainability goals while reducing operating costs.
