Schools and learning

• « beginning
• « previous
• next »

M - Energy and Water Management - HPS Property Matters

Energy Efficiency

We can all make a difference to our environment by using energy efficiently.

With advances in technology, there becomes a time when we need to consider whether the appliances and/or equipment that we use is deemed to be inefficient. This does not mean that we have to replace the appliances and/or equipment every time that a more efficient item is introduced. This would lead to a higher level of greenhouse gas emissions, caused by the higher production levels that would be required. As an example, it is recommended that a domestic boiler is replaced every ten years. However, in the ten year period the boiler model could have been superseded two or three times.

There are other areas of energy efficiency that need to be considered in addition to the appliances and equipment used in our properties. These items include the thermal insulation and effective use of electrical supplies. Thermal insulation is used to stop heat from escaping a building. If there was little or no thermal insulation we would need more energy to keep the building warm. In regards to electricity supplies, we need to consider such things as whether the lighting is required to be left on. It should be noted that some florescent lighting requires more energy at start up than would be required if left on for short periods i.e. during break time.

The Government set up a body after the 1992 World Summit, to look at energy efficiency. This body was the Energy Saving Trust (EST). EST will be able to supply information on energy saving measures and appliances. They will also be able to offer advice on grants that are available for energy efficient measures. They also run a scheme especially for schools, Energy Certification for Schools. This scheme is designed with a whole school approach to promote energy management and energy efficiency in the school. For further information on the scheme then please clink on the link above. Another organisation is the Hertfordshire Environmental Forum. There are other organisations that are able to offer advice and, in some circumstances, consultancy services. These include;

• Hertfordshire Business Services - Energy Management Team Phil Godfrey 01707 292430
• The National Energy Foundation. There is a link to the website on the right hand side of this page.
• The Carbon Trust. There is a link to the website on the right hand side of this page.

Voluntary Aided Schools please click here

Link back to Home Page

• « beginning
• « previous
• next »