In the UK alone, schools are estimated to produce over nine million tonnes of carbon dioxide per annum. (*)
Climate change is one of the biggest challenges that we face in the 21st century, and schools have a special role to play in reducing carbon emissions and increasing sustainability.
At Barker, we understand the impact that solutions such as energy efficiency schemes and grants can have on your estate, not only will it kickstart your journey to net zero carbon emissions but it will benefit future generations for years to come…
A new scheme to delivery energy efficiency
On 1st October 2020, the Government announced that the public sector can now bid for a new grant scheme, the Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme (PSDS), to deliver energy efficiency and heat decarbonisation measures.
The grant scheme offers £1bn of funding, which allows schools and Trusts to apply for a grant to finance up to 100% of the costs of capital energy-saving projects that meet the scheme criteria.
The scheme aims to encourage innovation, tackle climate change and encourage green investment, supporting the Government’s net zero and clean growth goals.
Putting energy efficiency top of the agenda
We all know there are huge benefits to reducing your energy consumption; from significantly reducing costs, to improving the learning environment and enhancing a school’s reputation.
Whilst there are many short-term fixes that can help lower your school’s energy consumptions and save money, it’s important to create a long-term sustainable strategy.
The Barker Energy 360 process
We understand that applying for funding can be a daunting process, but our team is here to help. There isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach to becoming more energy efficient, but our approach is a step-by-step process, working in partnership with you to understand your needs.
Our 360 service includes the following steps;
Strategy
We will undertake an assessment of the potential benefits that an energy management transformation process will generate and produce a strategy to deliver the policy.
Using existing knowledge of the built environment, experience of previous installations and standard parameters for energy prices, we will model the potential for energy saving schemes across the whole organisation.
Policy
Whether your aim is to reduce your carbon footprint, save money, or both, Barker will help shape your goals and advise on the most effective strategy to meet them.
Energy Survey
Barker will undertake a full energy audit of your entire estate including; collecting energy usage and utilities data for each site, undertaking detailed energy audits of each site, and identifying other key opportunities for energy improvements.
Energy transformation plan
Following the survey, we will produce a detailed energy transformation plan including a schedule of all of the energy efficiency projects which can be completed with pre-tender estimates (based on current market prices) with associated timing plans.
Implementation
Once the scope of work is agreed and funding is approved, we will work closely with you to develop a procurement program and installation plan which causes minimal disruption to your operations.
Ongoing support
Once we have implemented the changes, we will continue to work with you to identify other ways to optimise the operation of your estate.
Funding
There are a range of funding options available. Low cost loans are available exclusively to the public sector through the Government agency, Salix Finance. The recently announced Public Sector Decarbonisation Fund is another route with short-term grant funding available.
Analysis
Collecting, analysing and presenting data plays a key role in measuring the success of energy transformation. Barker, in collaboration with EO Consulting, has developed the EO Portal which is a benchmarking and energy monitoring tool.
Using real time data presented in a simple intuitive format, the EO Energy Portal monitors energy usage and costs across all your sites. The system helps you collate, report and analyse your data collected from condition surveys, audits, and the Government’s published data on finances and performance and presents it in easy to understand graphs and tables.
Leaders can use this information to quickly understand the issues surrounding their organisations, benchmark the data against others and make the best strategic decisions to drive positive change.
Not one size fits all
We understand that each school and Trust has different objectives, there are various options available including;
Salix Energy Efficiency Scheme (SEEF)
The scheme has different criteria and requirements to the existing Salix Energy Efficiency Loan Scheme. Salix is now a government agency under the direction of the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS).
Less Is More
Less is More funds energy efficiency projects that deliver proven cost savings to schools so that you can reinvest in the lives of your students. It includes Photo Voltaic (PV) and LED Lighting schemes.
Barker supports some of the country’s leading Trusts and schools, advising and implementing their energy efficiency programmes which have significantly cut down their carbon emissions, reduced energy bills, and benefitted from savings to reinvest in the future of their schools and students.
For more information contact the team on 01279 647111 or email us.
