Scheme:
Phase 1 Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme
Technologies used:
Air source heat pump, Solar PV, Hot Water - distribution improvements
Region:
North East
Client type:
Academy
Abbey Multi-Academy Trust
Key information
Estimated savings
£84k+
Annual savings
£5m
Total grant value
776
Annual carbon savings tCO2e*
Working with Salix
Project overview
As part of the Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme, Abbey Multi-Academy Trust has been awarded £5m in government funding to reduce carbon emissions produced by its eight schools across England. It is estimated the technologies installed will reduce 9,156 tonnes of carbon emissions and save £84,855 annually.
The government grant will fund:
- Air Source Heat Pumps
- Hot water distribution pipework
- Heating improvements
- Solar PV
The grant supports Abbey MAT’s Sustainability Plan, which outlines efforts to decarbonise energy sources in schools and bring costs down to enable greater investment in resources for pupils, such as laptops and other technologies.
The Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme grant will allow us to lay the foundations for decarbonisation by replacing existing gas heating with high efficiency cooling and heating systems.
An aerial shot of Abby Multi Academy Trust
Leading by example
The project raises awareness of climate issues and demonstrate that schools can lead by example, encouraging the discussion of energy efficiency. When pupils return in September 2021, all eight schools will hold assemblies to explain the purpose of these changes, teaching children about carbon reduction and cost savings.
All Abbey MAT schools have a robust recycling programme, which helps reduce waste produced in classrooms. In 2019, 63% of 11-18 year olds in the UK said the environment was their biggest concern in a YouGov study. Students feel passionately about the issue of sustainability and there is even an ‘Eco Club’ at one of the schools, which has been expanded throughout the trust.
The grant will save on school’s energy costs and free up capital which will be reinvested in resources for pupils. Each school will be able to invest in additional learning materials for pupils and allocate more budget to physical improvements to classrooms.
Abbey MAT’s Sustainability Programme
- Investing in over £500k worth of LED lighting upgrades
- Reduce emissions and save money to reinvest in academies
- Recycling programme throughout all academies
- Supporting a culture of energy awareness
- Utilities logging and analysis
- Enhance building fabric to increase thermal efficiencies
June 2021
*tonnes of Carbon Dioxide, calculated using Green Book emissions factors for electricity published by the government.
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