As the new school year begins, many public sector schools and local councils are facing the familiar challenge of managing ever-restricting budgets while continuing to provide high quality education. At the same time, the pressure to meet sustainability and net zero goals is growing. The good news is that sustainability and financial savings can go hand in hand. By making informed choices and having access to options available, schools can lower their energy bills, reduce emissions, and create a healthier environment for staff and pupils.
As an organisation, Harvest Green Developments, partners with schools and councils to deliver bespoke renewable energy solutions, designed to minimise disruption and maximise long-term benefits. Here are 10 effective ways schools can reduce their carbon footprint this academic year from solar panels for schools to internal initiatives to inspire the next generation in their awareness of how to make a positive difference to the next generation.
1. Install solar panels for schools
Solar panels for schools are one of the most impactful ways to generate clean, renewable energy on-site. They cut reliance on the grid, reduce exposure to rising energy costs, and deliver long-term savings. With the right partner, installations are designed to cause minimal disruption during term time. We have installed solar on schools and other public buildings and have experience on ensuring the installation is seamless and there is minimal disruption. We are also committed to improving education in the process whether that by with councils, teachers and publics and have provided educational talks on the benefits of solar for the environment to pupils in assembly and classroom settings.
2. Add battery storage
Pairing solar panels with battery storage ensures that schools can store excess energy produced during the day and use it later when demand is higher. This reduces grid dependency, improves energy resilience, and maximises the savings generated from solar power. A complete system of both solar and storage optimises your system and ensures the highest efficiency from both a sustainability and financial point of view.
3. Explore power purchase agreements (PPAs)
For schools and councils concerned about upfront costs, PPAs are an ideal solution and growing in popularity across the UK. Under a PPA, solar panels and batteries can be installed without any capital investment. Schools simply purchase the renewable energy generated on-site at a price lower than the grid, delivering immediate savings with no financial risk. With this financial solution, your maintenance and monitoring is included within the duration of the installation for further peace of mind that once the system is installed, you can relax knowing it is monitored and maintained with no cost and you are always generating the most electricity possible. Solar requires very little maintenance but with a fully optimised installation we know when a fault occurs and which panel needs support as soon as it happens.
4. Take advantage of funding and grants
Government and local council initiatives are increasingly supporting schools in their journey towards sustainability. These grants can help cover the cost of energy efficiency projects and renewable technologies. Combining available funding with a PPA creates a pathway for schools to transition mor affordably than ever before. We will share details of funds as they become available on our blog so you are aware of when they become available and how to apply.
5. Upgrade lighting to LEDs
Another quick win for schools to consider is to replace traditional lighting with LED systems. LEDs consume significantly less energy, last longer, and reduce maintenance costs, making them a cost-effective choice for budget-conscious organisations. Small changes are just as affective as larger ones to make a combined difference.
6. Improve building insulation
Well-insulated classrooms help retain heat in winter and keep spaces cooler in summer. By reducing heating and cooling demand, insulation improvements directly lower energy bills and improve comfort for pupils and staff. This is particularly important for older buildings that has heat escape – modern changes can make a huge difference to long-term savings for years to come.
7. Invest in smart energy management systems
Energy management systems give schools better visibility and control over their consumption. By tracking where and when energy is used, schools can identify savings opportunities and automate systems to use energy more efficiently beyond these suggestions. As a business we will look over your energy costs and support helping you in finding the best solutions too – it’s something we are really passionate about as a team. This is a great tool as if you get solar panels for schools, you can see the immediate savings.
8. Encourage sustainable travel
Schools can reduce their wider carbon footprint by supporting walking buses, cycling initiatives, or the use of electric minibuses for school transport. These changes contribute to cleaner air and healthier habits and showcase the school is being proactive to support the environment. Electric vehicles, alongside EV chargers, is once again an affordable solution compared to using petrol or diesel across a fleet. We can install EV chargers as part of a renewable energy system to provide a 360 approach to make your transition easy and seamless.
9. Reduce waste and improve recycling
Introducing clear recycling systems, composting food waste, and reducing single-use plastics can help schools lower emissions while setting a positive example for pupils. Many councils also offer support schemes for waste reduction in public buildings and it’s another way to show that you are committed to making your community a greener place. These processes can also be added to the school curriculum to set a positive example to attending students.
10. Engage pupils and staff in sustainability
The best results come when the whole school community is involved. From eco-committees to student-led sustainability projects, involving pupils no matter their age not only reduces emissions but also supports education on climate responsibility. Why not incentivise classes to be the most sustainable and reward those that have achieved a specific target. Sharing initiatives within internal and external communication also amplifies the current challenges and how parents can also get involved in supporting a sustainability-first approach.
Partnering with Harvest Green Developments
Every school and council faces unique challenges. We specialise in designing tailored renewable energy solutions that support your sustainability goals and help you manage costs effectively. From installing solar panels for schools and battery storage to advising on funding and PPAs, our team ensures that you can enjoy the benefits of renewable energy with minimal disruption and feeling empowered every step of the way. No matter the question, or concern, we are available to assist in anyway possible to ensure the best solution is provided based on your goals and challenges.
This academic year is the perfect time to invest in long-term solutions that deliver both environmental and financial benefits. By choosing clean energy, your school can make a positive impact today and secure a brighter future for generations of pupils.
