Building operations and procurement are the largest contributors to a school or college’s carbon footprint so the business and estates manager are in an influential position when it comes to reducing the sites impact on the climate.
The opportunities and costs differ hugely between institutions so these resources act as guides to apply site specific knowledge to and tools for understanding what fabric and energy efficacy measures are applicable.
Guidance and policies
Schools' Decarbonisation and Sustainability Survey advice
Energy efficiency: guidance for the school and further education college estate, December 22 – Department for Education
Guidance on the preparation of Heat Decarbonisation Plans - Salix Finance
Climate Action Roadmap for UK FE Colleges - EAUC and Nous Group
A 2011 Bursar’s Guide to Sustainable School Operation
Schools Climate Adaptation and Resilience Guidance – ARUP for the Greater London Authority
Public Sector Decarbonisation Funds – Salix Finance. Information about open grants. Sign up for updates at the bottom of the page
Templates and example documents
Climate Action Plan template and guidance - this is designed for a whole school climate action plan and can be adapted to include decarbonisation and sustainability premises works.
Collingtree (C of E) Primary School Heat Decarbonisation Plan - Salix Finance
Count Your Carbon - EcoSchools. A new, free 3 scope carbon footprint calculator, built with schools, for schools! Available from late January.
Energy Sparks - This online energy analysis tool and energy education programme is specifically designed to help schools reduce their electricity and gas usage through the analysis of smart meter data.
Podcast
Greener Schoolscast - by Institute of School Business Leadership and UK Sustainable Schools Network