As energy costs rise, many schools are suffering financial hardship, some of which are being pushed into deficits. In a bid to reduce the impact, QUEST Electrical Contracting is now offering energy-efficiency solutions that could help schools and colleges dramatically cut their fuel bills, potentially saving them many thousands of pounds a year.
Its previous experience of working with schools has enabled QUEST Electrical to identify three key energy savings solutions: LED lighting, solar energy and voltage optimisation. These can be utilised individually or combined for maximum effect. What’s more, with schools in England being allocated a share of the government’s £500 million energy efficiency funding for upgrades, much of the cost of installing these energy-saving solutions could be met without affecting already struggling budgets. Under the scheme, primary schools can expect to receive around £16,000 from the government, with secondaries receiving around £42,000 and further education colleges in the region of £290,000.
Andrew Wood, Managing Director of QUEST Electrical, said, “The significant funding available from the government makes this the ideal time for schools to install technologies like LEDs, solar power and voltage optimisation that can bring immediate and long-term energy savings. QUEST Electrical has the experience and capability to deliver these solutions quickly and in a way that maximises their impact, freeing up more of the school budget for educational purposes.”
Benefits of LEDs
Fluorescent tubes, which are used for lighting in most schools, are, by modern standards, highly inefficient at using energy. LEDs, by comparison, are 95% energy efficient and use up to 80% less energy. Andrew Wood added, “When you consider that some large secondary schools have over 1500 fluorescent tubes lighting their classrooms, halls, corridors and offices, replacing them with LEDs can cut lighting bills by eighty per cent – a major saving.”
LEDs help reduce costs in other ways too. They have a longer lifespan than fluorescent tubes, need less maintenance and can be incorporated into smart lighting systems, using sensors to turn lights off in empty rooms or adjust brightness depending on natural daylight.
Solar energy gains
QUEST Electrical’s solar energy solutions offer schools the opportunity not just to cut energy costs, but to completely remove their reliance on electrical suppliers and even generate income by selling excess electricity back to the National Grid. Andrew Wood continues, “By generating their own electricity, schools can make enormous savings. If some of those savings are used to replace gas or oil boilers with solar-powered electric heating, the benefits are considerably greater.”
As schools have the extensive roof and outdoor space needed to install a solar energy system, they are ideally placed to take advantage of them. In addition, the long school holidays throughout the year provide plenty of opportunities to generate excess electricity to sell back to the National Grid.
Voltage optimisation
QUEST Electrical’s third solution for schools is voltage optimisation. Schools spend large sums powering IT, design and technology equipment and other appliances. The latest voltage optimisation technology can help reduce this expense. A quick and easy-to-install smart technology, voltage optimisation reduces the power from the national grid to match the voltage required by the school’s appliances.
Sustainability
While energy cost reduction is a primary concern for financially struggling schools, all the solutions above will also help in their drive towards net zero. LEDs, solar power and voltage optimisation all help cut CO2 emissions.
About QUEST Electrical
QUEST Electrical Contracting is a Burnley-based, NICEIC-approved electrical contractor with over 25 years’ experience delivering successful projects for organisations, businesses and the public sector. Its team of more than fifty qualified electrical contractors has extensive expertise covering a broad range of electrical services.
Having worked with schools in the past, it understands the unique needs regarding safeguarding, health and safety and working without disrupting the school day.
Andrew Wood added, “Working with QUEST Electrical means schools and colleges will have the support of a trusted and experienced partner to transform their energy usage. With our long experience and up-to-the-minute know-how, school leaders can be assured of our high-quality products and services, our professional approach and our compliance with regulations and standards.”
Further information:
Website: https://www.electrical-contracting.co.uk
Telephone: 01282 838 000
Email: [email protected]
Address: QUEST Electrical, Eastham Place, Burnley, Lancashire, BB11 3DA
