There’s still time to cut your school’s energy use

17 July 2012

This term Eco-Schools Energy, a partnership between Eco-Schools and Winch Energy, launched two new programmes for our schools: LED lighting and Biomass boilers. These were created in response to school’s increasing worries about shrinking budgets coupled with rising energy costs.

As we’ve already had such positive response from schools, we’ve decided to extend the deadline for schools to register their interest in these Eco-Schools Energy programmes. On registering, we’ll send you an information pack and application form, with no obligations. After having all your questions answered, you can join many other Eco-Schools and apply for the programmes.

Around 80 schools have already applied for LED lighting and 30 for biomass boilers, with hundreds more registering for more information and considering the programmes over the summer. We’d also like to thank Local Authorities for their support of schools who are considering switching their lighting or boilers through Eco-Schools Energy.

Find out more about the LED lighting programme, or register your interest to receive an information pack. 

Find out more about the Biomass boiler programme, or register your interest to receive an information pack. 

Some questions from Eco-Schools about the programmes

Are there any capital up-front costs?

None. The costs of the technologies are paid from the savings the school will gain as a result of installing them.

What are we committing to by signing up?

There is no commitment to registering or applying. It just shows us schools that are interested in the technologies and would like to go ahead if the surveys prove that the technologies will work for their school.

How does the school know how much they will save? 

A free survey of your lights or heating will show us what you currently have. From that we are able to work out your energy costs currently and what they would be with the new technologies. We can then show you what your savings could be with the new technologies.

Does the school see the savings?

Yes.  There is full transparency of the costs, which will include capital and finance costs and how these are offset against potential savings and projected revenues (in the case of biomass). So schools will be able to see their savings over the medium to long term by acting now.

How does the school access the finance?

Funding is being arranged for around 100 schools for LED and 50 schools for biomass.  Schools have a number of options on funding but the most common for schools is to take out an operating lease.

Is there a warranty on the LED and Biomass?

Yes, the LED and Biomass programmes both have a five-year warranty. So lights and boilers are guaranteed on a full replacement basis for the first five years and that includes the labour costs too!