Raising Awareness

Everyone in your school has a part to play in reducing energy wastage - staff and pupils need to understand when they should turn lighting and equipment off, teaching staff can get involved in incorporating energy awareness into the curriculum, caretakers and ICT Technicians are key to the implementation of many of the recommendations, and headteachers and governors should give support and direction to the whole initiative.

It is very important for everyone to be aware of the plans, and what they are expected to do to help make them successful.  However, it should be remembered that staff and pupils only have an influence on a percentage of the energy used across the organisation.  

It is therefore also important to be conservative when estimating the success of an energy awareness programme.  Monitoring of energy use can help in this area.

Recommendations:

1. An overall energy awareness campaign is targeted throughout the schools. Get staff and pupils involved. Awareness of issues and energy consumption/waste can form part of the curriculum.

2. Ensure that full use is made of Carbon Trust publications and other information e.g. Teachernet and DTI Renewables and of course the Eco Schools Programme.

3. The data analysed and waste highlighted through the improved monitoring and targeting techniques is used to tackle specific known waste areas.

4. Actual energy costs of specific areas or plant is disseminated to all stakeholders to highlight waste issues further, such as PCs and lighting energy waste.

5. All savings realised are disseminated to staff and pupils – it is important to give positive feedback when received to ensure ongoing motivation and commitment.

6. Remember, a ‘drip feed’ strategy is better than a ‘big bang’ approach.

For further information download Carbon Trust publications:

• CTV019 - Schools sector overview

• PAC007 - Starter Pack - Schools

• CTG001 - Creating an awareness campaign