NYES

With budgets stretched and carbon reduction a hot topic across the UK, we’re seeing schools searching for ways to not only reduce their energy bills, but also reduce their environmental impact. NYES Energy and Sustainability team have decades of experience in supporting schools with their energy consumption and as regulations are continuously change, can assist you in making efficiencies wherever possible for the sake of both your budget and the planet.

Why is Net Zero So Important?

The need to collectively work towards Net-Zero is so much more than just turning off lights. Put simply, it refers to the balance between the amount of greenhouse gas that's produced and the amount that's removed from the atmosphere. It is an international aspiration to stop adding greenhouses gasses to our air and repair our planet. But where do schools fit into this?

As dates for net zero approach and internationally, emissions are still on a rising curve, we hear terms like Climate emergency and Environmental disaster in the media. We need to think are we actually behaving as if, as Greta Thunberg says “Our house is on fire”. The answer is unclear. In a world where too many times profit comes before planet, then it is our job to ensure the children have the best possible education to meet the challenges of the future.

Recently North Yorkshire council has again shown its commitment to this agenda by aiming to:

• reduce greenhouse gas emissions
• prepare for the changing climate
• support nature to thrive

The policy states we will work with partners to become a carbon negative region by 2040 and encourage residents, businesses and visitors to take climate responsible actions. Schools are at the heart of our communities and at the heart of the climate change agenda. How can we expect to deliver net zero if we are not providing our students with the knowledge skills and understanding they need to make the right decisions as future citizens?

How Can We Help?

To run an energy efficient school, NYES Energy and Sustainability service supports schools with a full wrap around service.

• Fuel Efficiency: Schools can access a system to buy cost effective, bulk bought fuel. We have access to expertise to check their bills, sorting out errors and spotting usage anomalies – the same can be done for water.
• Spotting Wastage: With both fuel and water we can look for areas where there is wastage, identifying leaks and looking for efficiencies.
• System management: For some schools, our team also directly control their heating, adjusting times to maximise efficient use.
• Display Energy Certificates and Advisory support: The team can also produce Display energy certificates, which are a legal requirement. This allows schools to see their progress in reducing their carbon footprint, followed by utilising our advisory service, where schools can receive a report containing a set of instructions as to how to further reduce usage, cost and Carbon emissions.

Educate Your Pupils

Finally, what makes the service unique is the educational aspect in the form of their very own superhero “Power down Pete”. He works with the children in his planet protecting persona, running workshops and assemblies teaching the future generations about their responsibilities towards the planet. Many schools are seeing that educating pupils is invaluable, even before looking at the energy efficiency of their building.

Schools Carbon Reduction officer Peter Bell has some simple top tips for how to reduce energy consumption:

“When I go into schools, I often see some quick and easy wins for schools to improve energy and water efficiency. In primary settings the early years classroom is the main offender:

• Close the free-flow door to retain heat inside the classroom.
• Install plastic strip curtains on doors – they do make a difference.
• Ensure radiators are uncovered and able to project heat – they are often blocked by cushions, cuddly toys and the reading corner bookshelf. This prevents the air in the room getting up to heat and the heating system will potentially stay on for longer.
• Ensure lights are switched off, including standby lights on monitors and screens.
• Ensure as many doors are closed as possible, especially in winter.

Much of what I do are simple, common-sense actions which add up to running the building in an efficient manner. However, perhaps the biggest impact comes from the education of the children. I’ve worked with children for over 24 years, teaching about environmental issues and I’m still surprised by the power of education. I was once served at a filling station by a young man in his early twenties who said “You’re ‘Power Down Pete’! You came to my school when I was 11 and told me why it was important to look after the planet and use less energy.” We must never forget children take knowledge home and into our communities, speak to parents and carers and ultimately grow into adults.’

Find Out More

In 2021 the service won the association for public sector excellence [APSE] award for best climate action initiative for the way they developed a whole school approach to energy efficiency. This validated their approach on a national platform and demonstrated the quality of support offered to schools.

To find out more about the service click here (link to service page) or to book Power Down Pete to visit your school please contact

Energy.team@northyorks.gov.uk