Private Schools & Energy Efficiency: Where to Start

In the face of rising energy costs and increasing pressure to demonstrate environmental responsibility, more and more independent schools are rethinking how they manage their estates. The challenge? Finding ways to improve school energy efficiency without disrupting daily operations — or compromising the student experience. 

At Elemental, we work with private schools and multi-academy trusts across the UK to build smarter, more sustainable energy strategies. From solar PV to smart metering, there’s no one-size-fits-all solution — but there are smart places to start. 

Whether you’re managing a listed building or a new-build science block, energy performance matters. Let’s look at how to make meaningful change, without guesswork. 

HVAC: The Quiet Cost Centre 

Heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) typically account for a significant portion of a school’s energy use — sometimes up to 60% of consumption in older buildings. Yet inefficiencies often go unnoticed for years. 

For private schools operating across sprawling estates, the energy cost of heating empty classrooms, unused sports halls, or over-cooled IT suites can add up quickly. The solution starts with clarity. 

Our real-time energy monitoring solutions help facilities teams see exactly how HVAC systems are performing — not just on the bill, but by zone, time of day and usage pattern. That data empowers schools to optimise settings, schedule heating more effectively, and flag problem areas early. 

Replacing legacy plant with more efficient systems might be a longer-term project — but immediate savings can often be unlocked through smarter control. 

Solar PV: Clean Energy with a Clear Payback 

For schools with available roof space, solar PV is an increasingly popular route to reduce reliance on grid energy — especially during the daytime when schools consume the most. 

We’ve helped a number of private schools across the UK assess and implement solar PV installations, including historic estates where visual and structural sensitivities are key. From feasibility studies through to funding options and installation, our team handles the process end-to-end. 

What’s more, schools that adopt solar can pair generation with monitoring — helping to demonstrate real-time carbon savings and engage students in the process. 

Solar PV is a clear step towards Net Zero — but knowing when and how to deploy it is critical. That’s why our clients rely on us for strategy, not just supply. 

School Energy Efficiency Begins with Insight 

Energy waste doesn’t always come from big-ticket equipment. Often, it’s the everyday habits that cost the most. 

That’s why engagement from your facilities and site teams is essential to any successful energy strategy. Elemental’s Nexus platform provides real-time, location-specific data, enabling school staff to monitor, benchmark and manage energy use across departments and buildings. 

It’s not about catching people out — it’s about equipping them with the tools to improve. 

From adjusting HVAC runtimes to identifying lighting left on after hours, our data-driven approach supports a culture of ownership and progress. Facilities staff become part of the solution — not just the system operators. 

Working Around the Academic Year 

We understand that for independent schools, any energy efficiency work must be carefully planned around the school calendar. Whether it’s access to classrooms or maintaining comfort levels during exam periods, disruption simply isn’t an option. 

That’s why we work flexibly with schools to schedule installations, audits and sitework during holiday periods or weekends — ensuring compliance, improvements and upgrades happen quietly in the background. 

Our dedicated energy team understands the pressures that bursars, facilities managers and governors face — and we build solutions that work within your constraints, not despite them. 

Why Elemental? 

At Elemental, we don’t sell cookie-cutter systems. We work in partnership with independent schools to improve performance, reduce energy costs, and support long-term sustainability goals — always grounded in data and delivered with minimal disruption. 

From helping bursars plan energy strategies through to implementing live monitoring, we make energy savings visible, achievable and sustainable. 

Our experience includes work across listed school buildings, new-build academies and multi-site estates. Whether you’re looking to comply with legislation, cut carbon, or simply get a better handle on costs — we’re here to help you take the next step. 

Explore our approach to school energy strategy at : https://www.elemental.org.uk/energy-reduction/remote-energy-management​