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ASK THE EXPERT Switching on savings Tim Lee shares his advice for schools and MATs when it comes to energy procurement, making short-term savings and long-term investments EXPERT PROFILE NAME: Tim Lee JOB TITLE: Senior Education Account Manager AREA OF EXPERTISE: Energy procurement and sustainability for schools BEST PART OF MY JOB: Helping schools find effective ways to save energy and reduce costs while focusing on their educational priorities What key energy procurement trends have you observed among schools and MATs in 2024? Schools naturally want to know what they’re going to be paying, so they budget accordingly – but this can be hard to do when markets become volatile. We’re increasingly seeing schools wanting to mitigate longer term price risks, which is where flexible energy procurement approaches come in. Flexible procurement involves purchasing energy on the wholesale markets in multiple segments, prior to the point when it’s consumed, thus mitigating the price risks of volatile energy markets. I’ve found this helps to reassure our school and MAT customers that our experts are closely tracking the markets, and buying their energy at the best times. By comparison, fixed price procurement contracts rely on setting energy costs at a single point in time to control your energy spend, which can amount to a much higher rate over the contract’s duration. There are also challenges around time and resource, which would explain the growing preference among schools and MATs for fully managed services via trusted and compliant frameworks. These help to reduce schools’ administrative burden, while giving them access to expert advice and support for handling complex queries. What simple energy-saving measures can schools enact today to lower their bills? Practical changes I’d recommend schools make straight away would include aligning heating schedules to match their hours of operation. It’s a simple adjustment that avoids heating empty spaces and saves on costs. Also, lowering thermostat settings by just 1°C can cut heating costs by up to 8%. Our customers have successfully done this without compromising on their levels of comfort. Finally, sealing draughts in doors and windows can reduce heat loss by up to 15%. This is a straightforward, low cost step that can have an immediate impact on energy bills. How can schools quickly identify and reduce their energy wastage? Once they see the data, many schools and MATs need help spotting energy inefficiencies. Heat maps can highlight unusual energy usage patterns, such as high consumption out of hours during evenings or weekends. Our Bureau Service has helped schools better understand their energy use by providing detailed reports that pinpoint areas where improvements can be made – thus reducing waste and saving money, without any significant upfront investment. What long-term energy efficiency investments provide the best return for schools and MATs? Our customers are achieving incredible results by upgrading to LED lighting and installing rooftop solar panels. LED illumination can reduce lighting costs by up to 70%, and lasts much longer than traditional bulbs. Rooftop solar enable schools and MATs to generate their own renewable energy, significantly lowering their electricity bills. ASK ME ABOUT • ENERGY PROCUREMENT – How schools can navigate complex markets and make informed decisions about their energy contracts • COST SAVINGS – Practical strategies for reducing energy bills through flexible purchasing and efficiency measures • SUSTAINABILITY – Implementing solutions like LED lighting and solar panels to reduce carbon emissions and support schools’ environmental goals educationteam@laserenergy.org.uk | laserenergy.org.uk PA R T N E R C O N T E N T 14 teachwire.net/secondary