Energy and water

By employing simple low-cost and no-cost measures, your school can reduce energy costs by up to 20% and reduce emissions of carbon dioxide at the same time. Schools in Richmond spend over £1million on energy each year. Typically schools spend three times as much on energy as they do on books.

There are a range of benefits that schools can gain by focusing on efficient energy and water management.

1. Reduced costs - Saving both utility and maintenance costs releases more funds for other school activities and projects.
2. Improved internal environments - Energy efficiency improves working conditions and comfort levels for staff and students.
3. Reduced carbon footprint - Raising awareness of environmental issues encourages behavioural change and greater participation by all school users in tackling climate change.
4. Curriculum links - Engaging pupils in energy saving is an excellent opportunity to translate global concerns into local action with improved understanding of citizenship and environmental issues.
5. Accreditation - Energy and water management is a key part of the Eco-Schools scheme and there is also the Sustainable Learning award which recognises achievements in this area.

Support programme

The Sustainability Unit can help with a range of measures including energy procurement, energy monitoring, setting up green teams, energy certificates, financing energy efficiency measures, training for staff and general advice. We also provide step-by-step guidance for schools that are keen to gain accreditation for their work on energy and water management. By providing resources and expertise, we’ll help you to improve your school’s environmental performance.

• Energy procurement
• Energy certificate
• Meter readings
• Financing
• Environmental accreditation
• Sample energy policy (MS Word, 1779KB)

Useful links

Here are some good links for further information and ideas on climate change and energy and water management.

• Background to climate change - Information on climate change and carbon footprinting.
• What we're doing in the borough - Richmond Council's activities to tackle climate change.
• Carbon Detectives Kit - An online carbon footprint calculator for schools in England.
• Sustainable Learning - A structured, task based approach to the way energy and water is used in schools.
• Energy and water management guide for schools (DFES website) - Contains practical suggestions and simple ideas.
• Wise up to Water - A Thames Water resource to help students and teachers reduce their school's water use.
• Carbon Trust - Find out how to assess energy use in your school building and ways to reduce energy consumption.
• The Pod - Activities from EDF Energy on how to make making your school greener.
• Green Day - Climate change activity kit by CABE for schools who would like to organise a whole day of environmental activities.

Contact

Sustainability Officer
Email: sustainability@richmond.gov.uk
Telephone: 020 8891 7302