New LessEn League Table shows failing energy efficiency in schools

The table analyses the data provided by 11,993 primary and secondary schools in England and Wales that have been granted a Display Energy Certificate (DEC) rating.

It ranks 152 local authorities with more than ten school buildings per local authority. Of the schools involved in the LessEn League Table, only 29 achieved an A rating. In contrast, 1,703 were given the lowest rating of G.

DECs provide an energy rating of a building from A to G, where A is very efficient and G is the least efficient. These ratings are based on the actual amount of metered energy used by the building over a period of 12 months. Over half the public buildings on the England and Wales DEC database are schools.

At the top of the LessEn League Table, averaging a DEC rating of C is Dorset local authority. Calculating that schools in its area account for 60 per cent of emissions, the energy team focuses on improving procurement of gas and electricity, automatic energy data capture and analysis, awareness programmes in schools to engage staff and pupils, and close liaison with the Carbon Trust to develop workable energy efficiency strategies.

Of the top 20 local authorities in the LessEn League Table, the majority are in rural rather than urban locations.

As part of its global commitment to exchanging free energy efficiency advice and solutions, LessEn is complementing the League Table launch with 'Top Ten Tips for Schools', tried and tested advice to help schools and local authorities to reduce their energy and carbon footprint.

Richard Rugg, Head of Public Sector at the Carbon Trust, said: "The best results are achieved when organisations work together to reduce their energy costs and carbon emissions. That’s why we are working with local authorities to encourage collaboration among schools in their areas."

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