Energy systems optimisation: saving money and management time.
One of our clients determined that the school was not making the best of its energy infrastructure. Like so many schools, new systems had been introduced over the years and existing systems modified, as the campus developed. New systems offered opportunities but learning how to make the most of them required technical knowledge – and time – that the estate staff did not have. We were asked to help. Our subsequent energy systems optimisation study presented the school with ways to get more out of their energy monitoring system, their solar PV, and their heating plant – without requiring further significant investment in new hardware. The message is that we can review system optimisation and conduct staff training for any school in such a situation.
Strategy development: saving money and increasing energy security.
We are working with one large school to reposition their energy strategy. Based on a previous plan to decarbonise the estate by 2045, we’re now assessing engineering and commercial options that will extend their net-zero target date but in the interim will introduce major cost savings and enhance their energy security. A core component of this plan is the introduction of networked combined heat and power (CHP) installations. At the feasibility stage the estimated saving is a net £2.2m over the lifetime of the CHP installations. The CHP lifetimes range from 11 to 13 years, depending on the energy demand and workload at each of the potential sites. We are also devising financing options so that the capital programme can remain cashflow neutral, should the school need that. This is an excellent example of how our strategic whole-site approach can be combined with the innovative use of established technologies to flush out substantial savings.
Saving money through careful energy broking.
We have recently saved a trust of 22 school sites a projected total of 19% on their annual gas supply costs over the next 3 years, and 7% on their electricity costs over two years. The savings are noted here as ‘projected’ because they are based on the previous annual consumption figures and the true annual saving will not be established until each contract year has finished: the saving could be more, or less. Either way, it’s still a remarkable outcome and equates to a total saving of well over half a million £s on their energy supplies: and that’s against a backdrop of a rising market due to the Iran War energy crisis.
Success Stories
"ReEnergise managed our Estate Decarbonisation Plan efficiently and supported our PSDS grant application from start to award."
Amanda Chapman-Richardson
School Business Manager, The Corsham School
"ReEnergise provides knowledgeable, transparent support for the complex process of decarbonising schools. Their professionalism and ability to manage projects efficiently make them a trusted partner."
Mike Giles
School Buildings and Estates Manager, Diocese of Guildford
"I am yet to come across another organisation who understand so well how their work sits in the context of independent education. It saves so much time and money not having to get them up the curve on that."
Sue Roxby
Business Director, Methodist Independent Schools Trust
"ReEnergise has been an invaluable partner, delivering detailed heat decarbonisation designs and guiding us through the grant process with practical advice and technical expertise."
Neil Gunn
Head of Estates, Orion Education
"ReEnergise provided thorough analysis and clear, forthright advice. I would strongly recommend them to any organisation starting its decarbonisation journey."
Matt Horton
Head of Estates, Kingston Maurward College
"ReEnergise delivered a clear, data-driven Heat Decarbonisation Plan that gives us confidence in our pathway to low-carbon heating and long-term energy savings."
Warren Symonds
Head of Operations and Projects, Reading School
Find out more about our approach
In all our work we apply systems thinking, step-by-step risk reduction, and collaboration to help our clients make confident energy decisions. This means we can unlock innovative opportunities on any site without incurring undue risk.