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Carrying out an Energy Audit
The Carbon Trust will provide energy audits free of charge for schools spending in excess of £50k per year on gas, oil and electricity.

Analysis of energy bills
Building survey
Take energy saving measures

Analysis of energy bills
Collect bills from last year and consider how energy is used. By comparing energy use in summer term with winter, it may be possible to spot, from the difference, the additional energy consumption needed to heat and light the school over the winter months.

It may be useful to plot the data for each fuel for each month.  By displaying the data in a graph, unusual patterns can be easily identified.

These graphs can be used for comparison with the following year's data to see if new energy saving measures are having an effect.
 magnifying glass over a bar chart
Compare your schools annual energy use to similar sized schools by using the Carbon Trusts’ energy benchmarking tool. For this you will need floor area and kWh measurements. Schools in Spelthorne can find out their floor area from this chart (Pdf 27kb)

Think about how useful sub-metering of plant or individual buildings would be.  Especially buildings with high-energy use, such as swimming pools or theatres.  Ensure separate buildings are billed for actual consumption.

Building survey

This is a big job. You need to walk around the building, identifying areas where improvements could be made. Look into every part of the school. Carrying a checklist with you will help you to remember what you've seen. When you have another walk round later you can look back at the checklists from last time.

You can download standard checklists:

Checklist 1-Electricity (Pdf 100kb)
Checklist 2-Building fabric and heat loss (Pdf 184kb)
Checklist 3-Heating (Pdf 222kb)
Checklist 4-Hot Water (Pdf 113kb)

It’s a good idea to complete several checklists at different times of the day to identify where energy efficiency improvements can be made

Take energy saving measures

Many of the following energy saving ideas are low-cost and easy to employ.

Heating – (space and hot water)

Consider reducing room temperature to DfES (external website) recommended temperatures
  • 18°C normal teaching.
  • 15°C circulation places and sports halls.
  • 21°C special needs schools, low activity areas.
Heat only when needed.

Spot the areas where the room temperature is not right.

Think about your time settings.

Fit inexpensive thermostatic radiator valves where possible to control radiator temperatures.

Turn off unnecessary radiators.

Keep areas around radiators clear, clean and unobstructed to ensure better circulation of heat into the room.

Reflective foil can be placed behind radiators that are on outside walls.

 Maintain boilers and pipe work.

Suggested service time:
  • Gas-fired - every year.
  • Oil boilers - every two years.
Ensure piping is in good condition and replace old insulating foam where necessary.

Install an insulation jacket on inefficient boilers, hot water heaters.

Strap a thermostat on your hot water heater to control water temperature (max 60°C to avoid accumulation of lime scale).

Upgrade outdated controls for heating and hot water.

Consult a qualified heating engineer to discuss options available (More information on heating systems can be obtained from the Carbon Trust guides (external website)

Fit automatic turn-off taps

Get feedback from staff on areas in the school that are too hot or cold.
school building from below looking into the sun Building Fabric and Insulation

Consider energy conservation measures when re-furbishing building.
Consult the Council about increasing level of insulation and funding available energy grants.
environment@spelthorne.gov.uk

Undertake regular maintenance.
Check building regularly for damp, cracks, leaks and other structural damage.

Improve glazing.

Identify draughts and try out some simple insulation measures:
  • Draught stoppers on doors.
  • Automatic door closure mechanisms.
  • Filling cracks in floors and skirting boards.
  • Making use of blinds or curtains to help room stay warm overnight.
Electrical use

Switch things off!

Everyone should be encouraged to switch off lights and appliances when vacating a room.  Stickers and posters may help as reminders.

Disconnect unnecessary lights but keep in mind health and safety implications.


Set default printing to double sided where possible.  

Investigate Alternative Energy Options

Professional advice on alternative energy for schools, project management, installation services and information on grant availability can be can be found at Segen
Use natural light to its full potential

Keep skylights clean. Consider using Venetian blinds that can be used to stop glare but make the most of natural light.

Replace existing lamps with energy efficient models.

See the Carbon Trust guide Lighting CTV021 for alternatives available.

Buy energy-rated efficient appliances with at least ‘energy star’ performance specifications.

Consider up-grading existing PC’s to more efficient models.
 light switch

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