What are the benefits of an energy efficiency audit?

The energy efficiency of our schools – and all residential and commercial buildings for that matter – has never been so important. With energy bills forecast to rise again in the winter, school budgets stretching beyond breaking point and the existential threat of climate change, schools desperately need more energy-efficient estates.

One of the central problems is that the age, condition and size of many school buildings in the UK make them energy-inefficient in their current state. If schools want to lower their energy costs, conserve natural resources and reduce their emissions, they need to make changes – and the first step in that change is an energy efficiency audit.

What is an energy efficiency audit? 

An energy efficiency audit, sometimes known as an energy survey, is a professional inspection of an educational estate and analysis of its consumption to determine its energy efficiency and identify where it is being wasted.

As part of the audit, an inspector will look at each site that makes up the school estate. They will identify where energy consumption is at its highest, which systems are inefficient and what bad energy habits are exhibited. They’ll then identify where schools can make changes and provide tailored recommendations for improvements. 

What does an energy efficiency audit involve?

In the context of a school or academy, an energy audit will typically involve an assessment of the building fabric, such as windows, doors, walls, ceilings and insulation, and the energy-intensive systems, including the heating, lighting, ventilation and appliances. 

As part of the energy efficiency audit, the surveyor will:

• Conduct site visits and inspections to identify inefficient areas
• Analyse energy bills to gather data on energy consumption and understand usage patterns
• Assess the performance of the current systems (heating, lighting, ventilation, etc.)
• Identify opportunities to make improvements

The auditor will then produce a report summarising their findings. It will also include detailed recommendations about how the school can improve its energy efficiency, the cost of those improvements and their impact.

The benefits of energy efficiency audits

Conducting an energy efficiency audit provides valuable insights about your energy usage so you can make informed decisions about the improvements that will have the greatest impact. The benefits of energy efficiency audits for schools include:

Cost savings

Energy efficiency is all about doing more – or the same amount – with less. By acting on the audit’s recommendations, you can make changes that reduce your school’s energy bills and operating costs. You can then invest the money you save in educational resources and programmes. 

Reducing your environmental impact

Sustainability is becoming increasingly important for everyone, but it resonates particularly strongly among younger generations. By identifying energy efficiencies and making improvements, you can reduce your carbon footprint and enhance your appeal among students and your reputation in the local community. 

Generating a return on investment

Energy efficiency audits and improvements come with upfront costs. However, funding is available through the Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme and the Low Carbon Skills Fund to reduce or negate the cost of improvements. Schools can even generate a return on investment by selling the excess energy they produce (through solar panels, for example) back to the grid.    

Improving the learning environment 

Energy efficiency audits can also lead to changes that improve the overall learning environment for students, staff and visitors. School buildings with better lighting, ventilation and insulation are nicer places to be. They can better regulate indoor temperatures, improve air quality and reduce the risk of health conditions such as asthma and allergies. 

Is funding available to improve energy efficiency in schools?

Energy efficiency improvements in schools can have high upfront costs, particularly in older buildings, that can put them out of the reach of some schools and multi-trust academies (MATs).  Thankfully, funding opportunities are available to reduce the financial impact of these projects. 

The Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme (PSDS) helps schools pay for heat decarbonisation and energy efficiency measures. That includes everything from building upgrades and low-carbon heating systems to smart controls and energy-efficient lighting. The Low Carbon Skills Fund (LCSF) helps schools access expert advice to create and refine their decarbonisation measures. It can also be used to pay for an energy efficiency audit. 

Take a big step towards sustainability

Our RICS-registered surveyors and consultants perform energy efficiency audits for schools, trusts, colleges and academies throughout the UK. We unlock the insights that enable schools to make big savings and help you access the available funding. Find out more about our energy efficiency audits and get in touch to discuss your requirements with our team.