Renewable energy systems in schools: Guidance

This comprehensive interactive guidance document can be used to help select which renewable energy technologies might be appropriate for a particular school, how they might be used in lessons and what energy/carbon and cost savings might be achieved.

It describes how these systems work, their constraints and benefits in relation to school use, and how much energy and carbon dioxide they can save. It builds on the summary guide that has been written to introduce renewable energy and its benefits for schools.

It will be useful to anyone involved in the operation of a school, and also to those involved in the design of new schools and the refurbishment of existing school buildings.

It outlines the main benefits of renewable energy for schools which are to:

reduce energy use (and costs)
contribute to more sustainable schools
offer potential as a teaching resource.

Subjects covered include:

Background to renewable energy for schools
The relationship between renewable energy and energy efficiency
Renewable energy technology appropriate to schools
Indicative costs/savings for systems which could deliver ten per cent of school energy needs
Details of a selection of cases study sites
Teaching opportunities and potential curriculum links for renewable energy systems

It is not a detailed design guide for engineers but does contain sufficient technical detail to facilitate understanding of what technology might be suitable where within a school grounds.

Department for Children, Schools and Families, The Use of Renewable Energy in School Buildings, Full Interactive Guidance, October 2007 please click here to download a copy.