Growing resilient with green energy – Matthew Wright

MATTHEW WRIGHT

Growing resilient with green energy

Tackling climate change is perhaps the most important challenge of our time, but how can complex organisations like schools do their part? Here, ISA Gold Supplier Utilities 4 Less shares three recommendations to help schools reduce their costs with a greener energy strategy.

With the United Nations Climate Change Conference COP26 taking place in Glasgow this year and Greta Thunberg still a voice for the younger generation, many schools are considering what they can do for the environment.

Due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, some may be hesitant to take climate action for financial reasons. However, it is possible to both reduce costs and become more sustainable with a combination of renewable energy and efficiency solutions.

There are a number of advantages to taking your energy usage in a greener direction. Not only does it help the planet we live on, but the environment is also a key issue among students: in a recent study, 88% of young people said they feel responsible for tackling climate change (UNICEF, EU, AU 2021).

In other words: improving and promoting your green credentials can help your school stand out when prospective students are considering their options. It can also be a great learning opportunity and topic of discussion in the classroom.

Furthermore, reducing your energy costs allows you to redirect important funds towards students and teachers – a key consideration in these uncertain times.

Here are three steps to get you started:

• Review your gas and electricity contracts

Some energy suppliers now offer 100% renewable energy as well as carbon offsetting solutions. Securing a long-term contract with a green energy supplier means you can expect stable energy prices without large price hikes.

• Implement more efficient solutions

Replacing ageing lighting and heating systems with modern solutions helps you use less energy overall and reduces your bills as a result. Something as simple as replacing halogen bulbs with LEDs offers an average energy reduction of 80%.

There are also more comprehensive energy-saving solutions available with a 1-year ROI on average. • Install an energy management system

We all know that knowledge is power. An energy management system works on your mobile, tablet or

PC and lets you know how energy is used across your organisation in real time. It can automate processes like turning off lights and helps you identify areas of wastage and opportunities for further reductions.

The government has set a net zero target for 2050, but many schools are already working to get ahead and start reducing their environmental impact now. With relatively simple changes, we really can make a world of difference.

Matthew Wright is an Associate Partner at ISA Gold Supplier Utilities 4 Less. He is an experienced energy consultant specialising in renewable energy sourcing, usage reduction technologies and carbon offsetting. After spending years in the hospitality industry, his focus is now on helping similarly complex and energy-intensive organisations within the healthcare and education sectors. matt@u4luk.com | 01202 800200 | www.u4luk.com

Bibliography:

UNICEF, European Union, African Union. 2021. #YourVoiceYourFuture - Turning challenges into solutions. https://www.unicef.org/eu/reports/reportyourvoiceyourfuture-turning-challenges-solutions