Grants

Click here for a list of grants available for renewable energies and/or insulation.

Renewables Guide

A guide to the full range of renewables available. Click here.

School Carbon Footprint Calculator

Click here to go to a carbon footprint calculator designed for use by schools.

Other Schools

Click here to see a list on The Guardian website of other schools with experience of installing renewable energy.

This page is intended as an information page for schools who are thinking of investing to reduce their carbon footprint or simply to reduce their energy bills.

There are two main approaches schools can take. One is to reduce energy use and improve energy efficiency, and the other is to install microrenewables. Each of these options is considered below.

Energy Efficiency Measures

The Carbon Trust work with schools to assess what schools can do to reduce their energy output. The Trust will aim to identify cost saving measures that the school can put in place that will save schools money on an annual basis. Typical measures include insulation, improved heating controls, powersave for computers, lighting controls, etc.

For schools whose energy bugdets are in the region of £50,000 or more, the Carbon Trust will audit the school for free and produce an Assessment of Initial Energy Savings Opportunities report. This report provides a detailed breakdown of the schools' current energy use as well as costed energy saving opportunites, together with payback times (the time it takes for the energy saving measure to pay for itself).

A good place to start is to contact the Carbon Trust and establish a dialogue. Several documents for schools are also available to download from the Carbon Trust website: Schools Resource Pack, Saving Energy in Schools and Building Energy Efficiency in Schools.

The DfES have also produced an excellent publication entitled A Bursar's Guide to Sustainable School Operation. Click on the link to download or order a copy of the report.

Renewable Energy

The rules governing the issuing of grants to schools for renewable technologies have changed. As of April 2010, phase 2 of the UK Governments' Low Carbon Buildings Program (LCBP) is only available for heat microgeneration technologies,i.e. solar thermal, ground source heat pumps, biomass and others. This is only available until March 2011, when it is due to be replaced by the Renewable Heat Incentive.

For electrical microgeneration technologies such as wind or solar pv, the government has, as of April 2010, introduced the Feed in Tariff (FIT). This will guarantee an income for all electricity generated, even when it is used on site.

For other grants towards installing renewable energy (whether heat or electrical), see our advice page renewable grants.

Each microgenerating technology will be reviewed in turn below.

Solar PV

Under the Feed In Tariff, a 4kW photovoltaic system will generate an income of around £1,600 per year, as well as saving around £225 off your electricity bill each year and saving about 2 tonnes CO2 annually. Each 4kW PV system costs around £20,000. For grants towards installing solar PV, see our advice page renewable grants.

There are many companies who will work with schools, one of which is Sundog Energy. Click on the link to go to the company's webpage to find out more or ring them on 01768482282.

Solar Thermal

Solar thermal are solar panels designed for water heating systems. A 4m2 array will cost around £2,500 and will generate 1,800kWh a year. A 20m2 array will cost around £10,000 and generate around 11,600kWh per year. Phase 2 of the Low Carbon Buildings Program will provide 50% of the funding towards such a project. For other grants see our advice page renewable grants.

Wind Turbines

Wind turbines vary in their output depending on wind conditions at the site. A feasibility study will need to be conducted to determine whether or not it is cost effective to install one at your site. Roof mounted systems are not recommended due to 'unclean' wind conditions when turbines are places near obstacles.

A 2.5kW, 3.5m rotor with a 6.5m mast will generate around 4,300kWh per year and cost about £12,000. The Feed in Tariff will generate an income of around £2,000 per year, as well as saving £300 off your annual electricity bill. For grants to help pay for installion see our advice page renewable grants.

Ground Source Heat Pumps

Ground source heat pumps are best suited to low temperature heating systems, such as underfloor heating. The costs vary depending on the suitability of your ground, as a borehole or trenches will need to be dug to extract ground energy.

An 8kW heating system will cost between £6-11,500 plus the costs of underground boreholes/pipe system. This will produce around 21,000kWh per year. The Low Carbon Buildings Program will provide 50% of the funding. For other grants see our advice page renewable grants.

A good source for further information is the Ground Source Heat Pump Association.

Biomass Boilers

Biomass boilers provide heat by burning renewable energy sources such as wood chipping. Such a system is only feasible where a regular supply of biomass is available in your area. In Cumbria, W Barden Biomass based in Milnthorpe, supply renewable sources of wood chipping from managed forests and also supply biomass boilers.

A 15kW pelleted boiler will cost around £5-11,000 and the Low Carbon Buildings Program will provide 50% of the funding. For other grants see our advice page renewable grants.