Energy in Schools

• Eco-Schools
• Schools Energy Saving Tips
• For Teachers

Moray Council’s Energy Team play an active role in reducing the consumption and cost of energy resources within buildings throughout Moray. Schools account for about 70% of the energy consumption by Council-operated buildings, so they play an important role in helping the Council to reduce its carbon footprint.

Schools throughout Moray have shown a keen interest in energy and environmental initiatives. Many of the teachers and pupils have taken an active role in helping their school to become more energy efficient.

In this section of the website you can find information on the Eco Schools programme which is being run throughout schools in the UK. There is also a list of energy saving tips specifically designed for schools.

Eco-Schools

Eco-Schools is a programme set up to encourage schools to take action in their environmental management and promote awareness. It is an international scheme which aims to foster whole-school participation in action for the environment. It comprises an award scheme which recognises schools that are performing well in their commitment to improve their environmental performance.

All schools in Moray are registered in the Eco-Schools programme, and many have made great progress in achieving Eco-Schools Awards! See how Moray schools are performing.

To find out more about Eco-Schools click here to go to the Eco-Schools Scotland website.

Schools Energy Saving Tips

• Turn the lights off when the classroom is empty. If possible, turn off the lights in sections of the classroom which are not in use.
• Use natural lighting whenever possible. If the classroom is receiving sufficient light through the windows from daylight outside, turn the lights off.
• Switch off appliances when they are not in use, such as the classroom computer and printer. Encourage pupils to do the same by putting up awareness posters and reminder stickers next to switches – contact the Energy Office if you would like some stickers and posters to use in your classroom.
• Make sure you don’t have windows open while heating. If the classroom gets too warm with heating on, turn the heating down – don’t open a window!
• If your classroom heaters have adjustable valves, turn the heating down if the classroom gets too warm. As an indication, if most of the class are wearing short sleeves, the heating can probably be turned down.
• Establish a ‘switch off’ campaign to encourage staff and pupils to turn off lights and electrical equipment when not in use.
• Appoint class energy monitors to monitor use of lights and electrical equipment.
• Ensure lights are switched off during breaks and after school. Energy monitors could help with this task.

For Teachers

Find out about Energy Awareness resources and support from the Council's Energy Office.