Energy usage guidance for Local Authority maintained schools
Case reference FOI2022/01492
Published 9 November 2022
Request
I know that this winter, energy prices are set to be higher than in previous years, even despite government support.
1) Since the start of this academic year, has your authority issued any guidance to Local Authority maintained schools about how they can cut energy usage? If so, what advice have they been given, what medium was it sent via, and when was it sent?
2) Since the start of this academic year, have you told your Local Authority maintained schools that they should cut energy usage? Have they been given targets for energy reduction, and if so, what targets have they been given?
Response
I know that this winter, energy prices are set to be higher than in previous years, even despite government support.
1) Since the start of this academic year, has your authority issued any guidance to Local Authority maintained schools about how they can cut energy usage? If so, what advice have they been given, what medium was it sent via, and when was it sent?
As part of Herefordshire Council's and the Climate & Nature Board's commitment to achieve net zero by 2030, Herefordshire Council have partnered with Let's Go Zero, the national campaign uniting teachers, pupils, parents and their schools as they work together reducing their carbon footprint. All Herefordshire schools are encouraged to join this climate change action support programme. An article was included in the 9 June 2022 edition of the Spotlight newsletter, which goes out to all local authority maintained primary, secondary and special schools in Herefordshire, plus the colleges and early year settings.
In addition, a link to Herefordshire Council's guide on energy savings and carbon reduction was sent to all schools on 23 September 2022 via email. This guide provides each school that uses it method many ideas for reducing energy usage that will automatically lead to a reduction in carbon emissions. The data collected will also enable schools to calculate their own carbon footprint.
Guide for schools on energy savings and carbon reduction (herefordshire.gov.uk)
2) Since the start of this academic year, have you told your Local Authority maintained schools that they should cut energy usage? Have they been given targets for energy reduction, and if so, what targets have they been given?
Energy supplies are provided through our supplier West Mercia Energy (WME). WME are committed to supporting "net-zero" ambitions and since May 2022 have been promoting a "Use Cleaner, Use less" service supporting all customers including schools to reduce their carbon emissions, become more energy efficient and utilise cleaner energy options. Newsletters from WME are sent out quarterly to schools reminding them of this project - the last time sent in September 2022 via email. All schools can also access a new portal that graphically shows energy usage over time.
Documents
This is Herefordshire Council's response to a freedom of information (FOI) or environmental information regulations (EIR) request.
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