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Lift Sir Herbert Leon – Net Zero Accelerator Plan

  • Client: Lift Schools
  • Location: Milton Keynes
  • Sector: Education, Government
  • Services: Energy & Sustainability, Project Management

OVERVIEW

Lift Sir Herbert Leon, a secondary school located in Bletchley, Milton Keynes, was one of 25 schools selected to participate in the Net Zero Accelerator Pathfinder (NZAP). The school, part of the Lift Schools initiative, aimed to reduce energy consumption, lower carbon emissions, and save money.

THE BRIEF

The primary goal was to enhance the school’s energy efficiency and sustainability. The project involved upgrading the existing Solar PV system, optimising heating controls, and installing EV chargers.

THE CHALLENGE

The school faced several challenges, including inefficiently set up heating controls, outdated lighting in communal areas, and high gas consumption due to constantly running backup gas boilers. Additionally, the site included highly used community sports facilities, adding to the complexity of energy management.

To address these issues, Barker conducted a comprehensive survey and developed a Heat Decarbonisation Plan. The team optimised the heating controls, engaged in behaviour change workshops, and completed LED lighting and EV charger installations.

THE OUTCOME

The interventions led to significant improvements:

  • Controls Optimisation: Adjustments to heating controls resulted in a 73% reduction in gas use from November 2024 to February 2025 compared to the previous year.
  • LED Lighting: The new lighting is expected to save 17,688 kWh annually, equating to approximately £3,404 and 4 tonnes of carbon. Electricity consumption in April 2025 was down 12% compared to April 2024.
  • Behaviour Change: Workshops and school visits fostered a culture of sustainability, with the school signing up for the Let’s Go Zero Campaign and the Sustainability Hub for Education.

The project not only reduced energy consumption and carbon emissions but also set a strong foundation for future sustainability initiatives at Lift Sir Herbert Leon.

 

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