Energy and water

Emergencies

Electricity emergencies and power cuts

UK Power Networks – phone: 105 (free from a landline or mobile)

Gas emergencies

Leaks - National Gas Emergency Service – phone: 0800 111 999

Water emergencies

Southern Water - phone: 0330 303 0368

South East Water - phone: 0333 000 0365

EM01 Energy and Water Management Service

Our service saves you time and money. We check your bills, handle contracts with suppliers, and offer technical support.

For more information please visit the Energy and Water page on the Services 2 Schools webshop.

Contracts and Supply

To control energy costs, the Energy Team buys energy flexibly. They use a group called Crown Commercial Services (CCS). They are the national purchasing partner for UK public services.

Energy Efficiency & Carbon Saving

Good Energy Housekeeping

We encourage all schools to use energy responsibly and minimise waste where possible. We made an Energy Saving Guide for Schools [314.2 KB] [pdf]. It shows simple and low-cost actions to save energy at your school. The Carbon Trust also developed some documents with detailed guidance for schools on saving energy. These are linked below. Have a go and feel free to contact the Energy Team if you need any support.

CTV019: Schools [6.5 MB] [pdf] – This gives an extensive overview of the main energy-saving opportunities in schools.
CTV037: A Whole School Approach [5.0 MB] [pdf] – This outlines an approach to energy management which involves pupils, teachers and other staff.
GPG057: Conducting an Energy Walk-round in a School [397.7 KB] [pdf] – This helps you find where your school uses energy and where you can save.
CTL067: Schools sector walk around checklist [108.8 KB] [pdf] – This can be used in conjunction with CTV019 or GPG057 and is a good place to start.
GIL147: Schools Energy Saving Fact Sheet [82.4 KB] [pdf]

Youth Cabinet Schools Energy Audit

The East Sussex Youth Cabinet made this tool. It helps students and decision-makers in secondary schools find and reduce unnecessary energy use.

There are two versions available for download:

Editable PDF [5.5 MB] [pdf]
Eco version for printing [3.1 MB] [pdf]

The Pod

The Pod has lots of resources for promoting sustainability in schools. It is an education programme designed by EDF Energy and has three main aims:

To inspire young people and their families to choose a more sustainable lifestyle.
To promote STEM subjects and encourage science and engineering as a career choice.
To help children understand that a low-carbon, secure and affordable energy supply is vital for the future.

Let's Go Zero

Let’s Go Zero unites UK schools aiming to be zero carbon. They reduce their climate impact and ask for more government support. The campaign tells the government that teachers and students want to be zero carbon. Schools can spark broader change in their communities.

Transform Our World

Transform Our World is an online hub that helps teachers bring environmental and social action into the classroom. It showcases quality-rated resources, programs, and events from different organisations.

Green Schools Project

Green Schools Project can assist you in teaching your students about climate change. It empowers them to take action and helps them develop the knowledge, skills, and values for a sustainable future. Start by becoming a zero carbon school. Enhance your curriculum, become a community hub for learning, and take action to address the climate crisis. Receive support to improve your teaching by including climate topics and giving your lessons more impact.

Compliance

Display Energy Certificates (DECs)

Buildings with more than 250m2 floor area need a DEC and advisory report. This applies if public authorities use them and they are often visited by the public.

For more information on DECs, see the government guidance or contact the Energy Team.

Air Conditioning Inspections (ACIs)

Air conditioning systems over 12kW must be checked regularly by an energy assessor. This also applies to systems with units under 12kW, but if their total output is over 12kW.

The inspections must be no more than five years apart.

The penalty for failing to have an air conditioning inspection report is £300.

For more information on ACIs, see the government guidance or contact the Energy Team.

Find any DEC or ACI that exists for your school here.