Sustainable Schools

Implementing a shutdown procedure

The introduction of a robust shutdown procedure can on its own lead to significant savings - the consultant who carried out the schools survey has visited other schools which have implemented a simple lighting switch-off procedure which has saved an estimated £5,000 per annum based on previous and current base load levels.  

Having comprehensive shutdown procedures for differing periods (holidays/weekends/night-time) will ensure that out-of-hours energy waste reduction is maximised.  

Recommendations:

  1. Discuss with all building managers and caretakers to ensure a comprehensive school shut down procedure is formulated.

  2. A robust shutdown procedure for holidays, night-time and weekends is implemented to isolate or shut down all non essential energy consuming plant i.e. all equipment with the exception of servers and related essential services - for example, this should include lighting, boiler plant and all curriculum-based electrical equipment.

  3. Ensure that the procedure is adhered to by all relevant staff, including teachers.

  4. Ensure that frost stats are set to bring boiler plant online during very cold periods to reduce the risks of pipework freezing.  The recommended set point for frost stats is approximately 5oC.

For further information download Carbon Trust publication

  • GPG343 – Saving Energy - A Whole School Approach