1. Keep classroom temperatures consistent
Children are actually more comfortable than adults at lower temperatures due to their higher metabolic rates. The Government has recommended the following temperatures:

18ºC for classrooms
15ºC for circulation spaces (corridors, halls)
21ºC for areas with young or special needs children
2. Heat buildings only when needed
Heating needs will vary throughout the school day, so make sure that the operating hours on the system adhere to the hours when buildings require heating and ventilation. Sometimes a thermostat will have been adjusted and forgotten about, so check settings monthly to ensure they’re consistent.

Consider upgrading your system controls. Efficient energy management systems will save money by adjusting heating more effectively and will soon pay for themselves. A compensator will adjust heat based on the weather, while an optimum start controller will assess how long it takes for the building to reach the desired temperature and bring the heating on at the optimum time before occupancy, depending on the weather.

3. Cut down on hot water wastage
Wasting hot water will not only cost you for the energy used to heat it, but also for the water used. Schools can install percussion taps which turn off automatically, insulate hot water storage tanks and distribution pipes to stop heat escaping and restrict boiler heating to relevant times using timers to avoid needless energy use.

4. Look after lighting
Figures from the Carbon Trust show that electric lighting represents a fifth of a school’s energy bill but accounts for just 8% of energy consumption. It’s a simple solution, but cutting costs associated with lighting starts with switching off lights when they’re not being used. Control sensors can help reduce consumption by automatically dimming lights when people are not around, and leaving blinds open will reduce the need for electric lighting by make the most of natural light during the day.

Think about energy efficient lighting options to reduce energy consumption - CFL bulbs use around 80% less electricity than a tungsten bulb, and can last up to ten times longer.

5. Implement an energy management policy
Effective energy management policies in schools can drive the importance of making energy savings. By understanding the full, detailed picture of your current energy usage, you can identify ways to save energy at school and set goals for energy reduction with prioritised actions. You’ll also be able to measure the results on an ongoing basis. A specialist energy broker can make this task much simpler for schools.

Here are some schools identified by the Carbon Trust as having reduced energy consumption by implementing effective energy management systems:
Richard Whittington School in Bishops Stortford installed boiler controls to refine its heating and saved 21% on heating costs per year (four-year payback).
Heywood Comprehensive School in Gloucestershire installed temperature and humidity sensors in ventilation shafts inside its pool hall, saving £7000 per year.
Priorlee Primary School in Telford installed ceiling-mounted lighting and controls that adjust for occupancy and daylight levels, cutting lighting costs by 30% every year.
Additional measures: