Access essential, government-backed
decarbonisation resources for schools and colleges
Supporting schools in climate action
Welcome to our dedicated resource hub for schools. Here you can access government-backed guides, checklists and tools that have been specifically created and curated to help schools decarbonise their buildings as part of a climate action plan.
On this page:
- Start with the main guide for schools and colleges, commissioned by the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero, and developed by Energy Systems Catapult.
- Access practical tools, templates and guides, specially selected to help schools plan and deliver cost and carbon savings across their sites, and create successful funding applications. These are part of the Public Sector Decarbonisation Guidance – a free, national resource, backed by UK government.
- Get links to hands-on support for schools, and wider sector initiatives.
“This guide is exactly the sort of clear guidance education settings have been calling out for as we look to reach our Net Zero targets.”
Alex Seal, Climate Action Specialist, Ashden
“As a school governor and an energy practitioner, I am working through this process with schools and understand the challenges. This guide helps others progress their own plans, resulting in energy bill savings and improved operating conditions for teachers and pupils.”
Vicky Kingston, Senior Director, – Climate, Local Partnerships
Start here – Climate Action Plan: Decarbonisation
The Department for Education (DfE) has set an expectation for all schools to have a clear climate action plan by 2025. To support this, Energy Systems Catapult has developed the ‘Climate Action Plan: Decarbonisation’ guide. Designed for teachers, estate teams, governors, and other sustainability leads, the guide breaks down the actions needed to develop the decarbonisation pillar of your climate action plan. It avoids technical jargon to ensure that those whose main focus is the education and comfort of their pupils can quickly put plans in place.
What’s inside:
- Taking the first steps: Understand your school’s energy performance and explore funding opportunities.
- The building audit process: Learn about what’s involved, and how to get the best audit for your school’s needs.
- Your decarbonisation plan: Develop a comprehensive decarbonisation plan tailored to your school.
- Funding: Discover various funding options to support your decarbonisation efforts.
Download the guide
The guide has been developed with input from Ashden and Local Partnerships, who have a wealth of expertise and guidance to offer through the Let’s Go Zero initiative (scroll for more on this Ashden programme) and extensive work with schools.
Access the guide
To download this file, we would be grateful if you could tell us a little about yourself.
We use this information for internal research purposes to help us better understand which energy sector stakeholders are interested in which areas of our work. We do not share your details with any third parties.
If you do not wish to complete the form, please email communications@es.catapult.org.uk to request a digital copy.
Extra decarbonisation tools and resources
Discover our top pick of tools for schools from the Public Sector Decarbonisation Guidance
- What could decarbonisation look like for you?
- Understanding energy utilities and pricing
- Heat pumps; which one is right for your site and what else to consider
- Decarbonisation grants and funding sources table
- Understanding your energy data
- Skills and capabilities guide
Discover our top pick of tools for schools from the Public Sector Decarbonisation Guidance
- What could decarbonisation look like for you?
- Understanding energy utilities and pricing
- Heat pumps; which one is right for your site and what else to consider
- Decarbonisation grants and funding sources table
- Understanding your energy data
- Skills and capabilities guide
What could decarbonisation look like for you?
This guide provides insight into what an overall decarbonisation solution could look like – including various examples of technology and how they can work together.
Download
To download this file, we would be grateful if you could tell us a little about yourself.
We use this information for internal research purposes to help us better understand which energy sector stakeholders are interested in which areas of our work. We do not share your details with any third parties.
If you do not wish to complete the form, please email communications@es.catapult.org.uk to request a digital copy.
Understanding energy utilities and pricing
This guide takes you through the different options and frameworks available for high quality energy procurement. It also provides some insight into future changes we might expect to see in the energy markets.
Download
To download this file, we would be grateful if you could tell us a little about yourself.
We use this information for internal research purposes to help us better understand which energy sector stakeholders are interested in which areas of our work. We do not share your details with any third parties.
If you do not wish to complete the form, please email communications@es.catapult.org.uk to request a digital copy.
Heat pumps; which one is right for your site and what else to consider
This guide covers the types of heat pumps suitable for non-domestic applications, feasibility considerations and complementary technologies to improve system efficiencies. Examples of alternative electric heating solutions are also provided.
Download
To download this file, we would be grateful if you could tell us a little about yourself.
We use this information for internal research purposes to help us better understand which energy sector stakeholders are interested in which areas of our work. We do not share your details with any third parties.
If you do not wish to complete the form, please email communications@es.catapult.org.uk to request a digital copy.
Decarbonisation grants and funding sources table
This document provides information on the main public sector decarbonisation grant and funding schemes, with links to where you can find guidance and apply.
Download
To download this file, we would be grateful if you could tell us a little about yourself.
We use this information for internal research purposes to help us better understand which energy sector stakeholders are interested in which areas of our work. We do not share your details with any third parties.
If you do not wish to complete the form, please email communications@es.catapult.org.uk to request a digital copy.
Understanding your energy data
This short guide helps you to understand your energy data better and how it can inform your strategy and programme development.
Download
To download this file, we would be grateful if you could tell us a little about yourself.
We use this information for internal research purposes to help us better understand which energy sector stakeholders are interested in which areas of our work. We do not share your details with any third parties.
If you do not wish to complete the form, please email communications@es.catapult.org.uk to request a digital copy.
Skills and capabilities guide
This guide covers the skills and capabilities, including referral links to other Public Sector Decarbonisation Guidance, that might be required for each of the activities you and your team need to undertake to deliver a decarbonisation programme.
Download
To download this file, we would be grateful if you could tell us a little about yourself.
We use this information for internal research purposes to help us better understand which energy sector stakeholders are interested in which areas of our work. We do not share your details with any third parties.
If you do not wish to complete the form, please email communications@es.catapult.org.uk to request a digital copy.
Explore more support for sustainable schools
Department for Education
Visit the official climate action plan resources hub for nurseries, schools and colleges, featuring our guides and tools.
Climate Ambassadors Programme
Matching volunteer climate experts across a range of industries with local settings in need of support and peer-to-peer learning opportunities.
Ashden: Let’s Go Zero
Schools can access expert advice and support to help drive their climate action by signing up to the initiative.
Salix
See more on government funding schemes that support heat decarbonisation projects within public sector buildings,
Local Partnerships
Providing advice and delivery support to local authorities, including programmes that help schools to improve the energy efficiency of their buildings.
Want to know more?
Find out more about how Energy Systems Catapult can help you and your teams
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Want to know more?
Find out more about how Energy Systems Catapult can help you and your teams