Practical support to improve energy efficiency in schools and trusts through better data, clear planning and targeted improvements that reduce costs, support decarbonisation and strengthen long-term estate resilience.
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The Challenge for Schools
Energy is one of the highest operational costs across education estates. Many schools and trusts operate ageing buildings that were not designed with modern energy efficiency in mind. Rising energy prices and increasing expectations around decarbonisation mean leaders are under pressure to improve energy efficiency in schools while continuing to deliver high-quality education.
At the same time, energy data is often fragmented across suppliers, systems and sites, making it difficult to understand where improvements will have the greatest impact. Schools, colleges and universities may also lack dedicated energy expertise internally. Without a clear baseline and practical guidance, improving energy efficiency in education estates can feel complex, even when the opportunity for savings and carbon reduction is significant.
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How We Support Schools and Trusts
We support schools, colleges, universities and Multi Academy Trusts to improve energy efficiency through clear data, practical analysis and targeted action planning. We begin by establishing a reliable baseline, helping education settings understand how energy is used across their estate and where the greatest opportunities exist.
Our support can include energy reviews, efficiency assessments and decarbonisation surveys that identify both quick operational improvements and longer-term estate investments. We also help integrate energy efficiency in schools with wider Climate Action Planning, ensuring actions support sustainability goals while remaining realistic for education environments. By combining data, expert guidance and practical planning, we help education leaders prioritise improvements that deliver measurable results.
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20 Years of Experience
Proven environmental and sustainability expertise across a variety of complex, regulated UK sectors.
Scientifically Robust Data
Primary, bottom-up carbon and lifecycle data built for accuracy, credibility, and informed decision-making.
Proven Value
Sustainability strategies designed to drive performance, compliance, and long-term business value.
What Schools Gain
Improving energy efficiency in schools delivers both environmental and financial benefits. Schools, colleges and universities gain a clearer understanding of how energy is used across their buildings and where improvements will deliver the greatest value. This enables leaders to prioritise investment, reduce waste and strengthen long-term estate planning.
Energy efficiency improvements can lower operational costs, reduce exposure to volatile energy prices and support wider decarbonisation goals. For Multi Academy Trusts, consistent data and analysis also support better oversight across multiple sites. By linking energy efficiency in education settings with sustainability strategies and Climate Action Planning, schools are better prepared to meet future expectations while maintaining comfortable, effective learning environments.
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“We chose to work with Blue Marble because their CAMP tool gives each of our schools the structure to develop Climate Action Plans consistently, while providing the Trust with oversight and visibility. Their partnership with the Department for Education on the national Sustainability Support for Education service gave us real confidence in their credibility and impact. Blue Marble combine expertise with practical solutions that help us live out our mission of stewardship and care for creation.”
Rose Colpus-Fricker, Chief Operating Officer at Plymouth CAST Multi Academy Trust
Who We Are
Henry Waite
Founder & MDHenry brings 20 years’ experience in renewable energy, spanning biogas, solar, wind and carbon capture, helping organisations measure, mitigate emissions, and thrive sustainably through Blue Marble across multiple sectors globally.
Tim Kemp
Head of TechnicalTim holds advanced environmental degrees and over a decade’s leadership experience in renewable energy and ESG, helping organisations navigate lower-carbon transitions that benefit communities, investors, governments, and long-term business sustainability.
Sam McGarrick
Head of AdvisorySam leads Blue Marble’s Advisory division, specialising in Life Cycle Assessments and Environmental Product Declarations across multiple sectors, combining sustainability expertise with business and legal experience from global corporate and investment roles.
How We've Made an Impact
Phase I & II of University, Council and Government Carbon Champions Project
Blue Marble is pleased to announce the completion of Phase I & II of the Carbon Champions Project. We were selected as an expert consultant for the South Ayrshire Project, funded by the UK Government.
AQA – using Life Cycle Assessment to support decision making around the future of examinations in England
AQA is an examination board providing GCSE, A-levels and support. In 2023, AQA commissioned Blue Marble to conduct a life cycle assessment study comparing a traditional paper-based examination with a digital on-screen examination.
Meeting the DfE’s 2025 Climate Action Plan Deadline — Made Easy
By the end of 2025, the Department for Education (DfE) requires every school in England to have a Climate Action Plan.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Why is energy efficiency important for schools and trusts?
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Energy efficiency in schools plays an important role in managing operational costs and reducing environmental impact. Education estates often include older buildings that consume significant amounts of energy for heating, lighting and equipment. Improving efficiency helps schools and trusts reduce energy waste while maintaining comfortable learning environments. It also supports long-term sustainability goals and helps education settings respond to increasing expectations around carbon reduction. By improving energy efficiency, schools, colleges and universities can strengthen financial resilience while contributing to wider climate objectives.
- How can schools start improving energy efficiency?
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Improving energy efficiency in schools typically begins with understanding how energy is currently used. Establishing a clear baseline allows schools and trusts to identify where consumption is highest and where improvements may be possible. This may include reviewing building fabric, heating systems, controls and operational practices. Schools, colleges and universities often find that a combination of small operational changes and longer-term investment planning delivers the best results. Taking a structured approach helps ensure improvements are practical, measurable and aligned with wider sustainability goals.
- What types of buildings benefit most from energy efficiency improvements?
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Almost all education buildings can benefit from improved energy efficiency. Many schools and colleges operate estates built across different decades, often with varying levels of insulation, heating technology and building controls. Older buildings in particular may present opportunities for efficiency improvements. Universities and larger education trusts may also manage complex estates where energy use varies significantly between buildings. By analysing how energy is used across the estate, schools and trusts can identify priority areas and develop targeted plans to improve energy efficiency over time.
- How does energy efficiency support sustainability in education?
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Energy efficiency in education settings is a key part of reducing carbon emissions and supporting sustainability strategies. Schools, colleges and universities often rely on heating and electricity systems that contribute significantly to operational emissions. Improving efficiency reduces unnecessary energy use while supporting wider decarbonisation goals. When linked with Climate Action Planning and sustainability initiatives, energy efficiency helps education settings demonstrate credible progress towards net zero while also improving estate performance and operational resilience.
- Can energy efficiency improvements reduce costs for schools and trusts?
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Yes. Improving energy efficiency in schools can lead to meaningful cost savings over time. Reducing energy waste lowers utility bills and can reduce exposure to fluctuating energy prices. Even modest improvements in building controls, heating efficiency or operational practices can deliver measurable savings across an education estate. For Multi Academy Trusts, consistent energy management across multiple sites can also improve financial planning and investment decisions. By approaching energy efficiency strategically, schools and trusts can balance sustainability goals with long-term cost control.