In late September, queues for the petrol stations were a shocking yet all too familiar scene across the country. Petrol station stock was depleting, and drivers faced a worrisome few days as they anticipated the return of fuel. The shortage came about after a lack of HGV drivers impacted the scheduled delivery of petrol. But this wasn’t the only fluctuation in the oil and gas supply chain.
Consumers are facing a tough increase in the price of energy. Since January, gas prices have risen 250%, and 70% since August, according to the industry group Oil and Gas UK. The change has come about because of high demand for liquefied natural gas from Asia, while a cold winter has decreased stock and lowered gas reserves. This combined has meant that the oil and gas market is in flux.
The shift in energy prices will impact organisations across countless industries – and schools and trusts will be no different. So how can this be managed? The most crucial reaction is anticipation and preparation. At Barker, we have been anticipating the fluctuation in energy prices over the next 25 years. We believe there is an opportunity and an obligation on those managing education estates to implement strategies to save money and reduce their organisations exposure to the future energy market.
There are 3 main areas where schools and trusts can implement change. And this will not only impact carbon emissions, but finances too.
1. Maximise Buying Power
You can maximise your buying power by undertaking energy audits in order to implement a procurement strategy. An energy audit will allow you to effectively identify areas within a building that can be improved. This will allow you to monitor and stay on top of sudden changes to the energy market.
2. Reduce Energy Consumption
It will be necessary for schools and trusts to reduce their energy consumption. This can be achieved through energy management systems and by introducing lower-energy technologies, such as replacing existing lighting with LED lamps and installing PEV panels. As well as simple actions such as turning off heating and lighting when buildings are not in use.
3. Generate Energy
The more energy a trust can generate onsite, the less reliant on shifting energy prices they will be. Barker can work to install renewable technologies onsite to create an environment that is self-sufficient and financially beneficial. With our help, our clients have saved over £2m over 25 years after sustainable energy methods have been installed.
Find out what Barker can do to ensure the rising price of energy doesn’t negatively impact your organisation. Contact us today.