Low cost sustainability wins for schools

Improving sustainability doesn’t have to rely on expensive capital works or major estates investment. Many trusts can make rapid, cost‑effective improvements that reduce energy use, improve comfort, and support long‑term resilience, all while reinforcing good stewardship of public funds.

Reduce energy waste through smarter controls

Optimise heating schedules so systems aren’t running before buildings are occupied.
Reduce temperatures by 1°C trust‑wide – often unnoticed but delivers meaningful savings.
Ensure timers on boilers, hot water, and external lighting are accurate and seasonally reviewed.

Improve classroom efficiency

Teachers influence energy use more than any other group. Quick wins include:

Turning off projectors, screens and interactive panels when not in use.
Keeping windows and doors closed while heating is on to reduce heat loss.
Using natural light wherever possible and switching to low‑energy classroom bulbs during replacements.

Low cost estate improvements

Fit door brushes and simple draught‑proofing around older frames.
Install radiator reflectors behind wall‑mounted radiators.
Replace fluorescent tubes with LED equivalents as they fail.

Review IT power settings

Trust‑wide changes to IT configurations can save thousands over a year:

Apply automated sleep/hibernate settings to all PCs and laptops.
Ensure printers default to duplex and black‑and‑white.
Remove unused software that increases processing load – reducing both energy use and IT strain.

Reduce waste and improve recycling

Low‑cost process improvements strengthen environmental responsibility:

Replace single‑use staffroom items with reusable alternatives.
Create consistent recycling points with simple signage across all schools.
Introduce “paper‑light weeks” to encourage staff to rethink printing habits.

Engage pupils and staff

Behavioural change is easier when everyone is involved:

Introduce student eco‑monitors to check lights and devices at breaktimes.
Hold a “Switch Off Week” challenge between schools.
Celebrate quick wins publicly to build momentum and trust‑wide culture.

Build sustainability into routine decisions

Many small procurement choices accumulate into meaningful environmental impact:

Select recycled paper and refillable consumables as default options.
Choose low‑energy appliances and devices when replacements are due.
Ask suppliers for greener alternatives, often at no extra cost.

Why these wins matter

Implementing low-cost sustainability actions can deliver immediate financial benefits through reduced operational expenditure, while also strengthening the long-term resilience of estate assets. These measures demonstrate responsible stewardship to trustees and the wider community, reinforcing accountability and good governance. In addition, they help organisations proactively prepare for the increasing expectations around sustainability reporting across the sector.

We always recommend that you seek advice from a suitably qualified adviser before taking any action. The information in this article only serves as a guide and no responsibility for loss occasioned by any person acting or refraining from action as a result of this material can be accepted by the authors or the firm.