Pilot scheme to lower schools energy bills rolls out

The Mayor of London has today launched a new pilot which will help schools to spend less on their energy bills and more on children’s education.

Sadiq Khan’s Greener Schools project will see 38 schools across 16 London boroughs save an average of £15,000 on their energy bills.

Three schools in Kensington and Chelsea – Avondale Park Primary School and St Anne’s & Avondale Park Nursery School, Bevington Primary School and Colville Primary School – will receive a total of £295,000. 

The cash boost will allow schools to invest in insulation, LED lights, solar panels and heat pumps. 

This is estimated to save the three West London schools £27,370 in energy costs.

The funding will also go towards climate engagement activities like school-wide sustainability projects including water conservation initiatives, helping to empower the next generation of climate change leaders in communities across the capital.

Lead Member for Net Zero at Kensington and Chelsea council, Cllr Johnny Thalassites, said: “Making our buildings greener is one of the best ways we can help lower carbon emissions and improve air quality. 

“By improving the fabric of our school buildings and installing energy efficiency measures, we are also keeping classrooms warm and over time it should reduce energy bills for our schools too.”

If all of London’s schools were to use energy saving interventions, this could save more than £50million from the education budget each year.

Sir Sadiq said: “This investment will help schools reduce their energy costs, so they can spend more on vital resources such as books, technology and staff, and cut carbon emissions so schools can play their part in tackling air pollution in the capital.”

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