Maximising energy efficiency during the Christmas break

As the festive season approaches, schools and Multi-Academy Trusts (MATs) across the UK are gearing up for the Christmas break. This period offers a unique opportunity to implement energy-saving strategies that can significantly reduce costs and contribute to a more sustainable future.

At Everything ICT, we understand the importance of energy efficiency and are here to support you through our Department for Education (DfE)-recommended procurement framework.

Why focus on energy efficiency?

Implementing energy-saving measures during the Christmas break not only reduces operational costs but also supports environmental sustainability. By adopting simple yet effective strategies, schools and MATs can make a considerable impact on their energy consumption.

Practical tips for energy efficiency

Here are some practical tips to help your school or MAT maximise energy efficiency during the Christmas break:

1. Adjust heating and cooling systems

   • HVAC systems: Ensure that your Heating, Ventilation, and Air-Conditioning (HVAC) systems are programmed to operate at minimal capacity or switched off entirely when the building is empty.

   • Thermostat settings: Set thermostats to lower temperatures in unoccupied areas during the winter break. This can save up to 1-3% on heating costs for each degree the thermostat is lowered.
     

2. Power down equipment

   • Electronics: Remind staff to power down computers, printers, and other electronic devices before the break. Unplugging these devices can further reduce standby power usage and contribute to energy savings.

   • Unplug appliances: Disconnect all non-essential equipment, including kitchen appliances, to eliminate "phantom" energy usage.
     

3. Implement energy-saving policies

   • Guidelines: Develop and communicate guidelines for staff to follow, emphasising the importance of turning off lights, closing windows, and ensuring that energy-efficient practices are maintained during the holidays.
     

4. Plan for future efficiency

   • Energy audit: Use the quiet period to conduct an energy audit. This can help identify potential areas for spend-to-save investment opportunities for the coming school year.

   • Maintenance: Schedule repairs and upgrades of equipment during the break to reduce disruption to school time. Well-maintained systems operate more efficiently, reducing energy waste.
     

5. Install light sensors

   • Motion-activated sensors: Consider fitting motion-activated light sensors in less frequently used areas like staff rooms and toilets. These can reduce lighting costs by up to 30% in these spaces.

How Everything ICT can help

At Everything ICT, we provide access to pre-approved suppliers who offer energy-efficient hardware solutions that support your sustainability goals while reducing long-term costs. Our procurement framework is designed to deliver compliance, value for money, and personalised support throughout the procurement process.

Your EICT personal project manager offers expert guidance throughout the entire procurement process, ensuring a smooth and efficient experience.

Our DfE-recommended framework is compliant with UK and EU procurement regulations, ensuring robust and compliant decisions.

Conclusion

By implementing these energy-saving measures, schools and MATs can potentially save 10-20% on their energy bills during the holiday period. At Everything ICT, we are committed to supporting your energy-saving strategies through our comprehensive procurement framework. If you have any questions or would like to explore how we can assist your school or MAT in becoming more energy-efficient, please contact our team. We’re here to help.

Enjoy your well-deserved Christmas break and make the most of this opportunity to maximise energy efficiency!

For more information on how Everything ICT can support your procurement needs, please get in touch with our team.