I spotted this on the Taylor & Francis website
Typical CO2 emissions from schools in England are rising, despite reductions to their heating demands, because of an increase in electricity consumption, according to new research published in the ‘Building Research and Information’ journal. The study suggests that the new academies, schools funded directly by the state and supported by the present Government, have significantly higher energy consumption profiles than other secondary schools. Researchers drew primarily on a database of Display Energy Certificates (DECs) and obtained information covering about 40% of the primary and secondary schools in England, including academies. In general, it was found that existing benchmarks for energy consumption in schools had over-estimated the fossil-thermal energy they need (primarily to heat the buildings), but underestimated the amount of electrical energy schools consume. The study also found significant differences in energy use between different school types. Both secondary schools and academies were typically found to have higher annual CO2 emissions per m2 than primary schools (6% and 27% respectively). Taking account of the different pupil densities was found to accentuate these differences: typical CO2 emissions per pupil were found to be 47% higher in secondary schools, and 116% higher in academies, both compared with primary schools. These differences are due mostly to greater electrical consumption. Academies typically use one-and-a-half times the electricity per pupil compared with other secondary schools, and over twice that of primary schools. In the context of national and international targets to reduce emissions, the paper establishes the need for continued monitoring and research into the relative roles of building design, systems and occupant behaviour to ensure that the emissions trend is downwards. Current ‘good practice’ electrical consumption in schools in England is actually worse than typical practice in 1995.
None of this will come of much of a surprise to those of us who've been looking at these issues over the last few years, although the numbers add to what we know. I wonder whether there's a difference between PFI and non-PFI schools, and between academies and new non-academy schools (if there are enough of these to make a sensible comparison).
All this conjures up an ironic picture of youngsters suffering learning death by powerpoint whilst contributing to the very thing they are studying; not quite what's meant by joined-up thinking.
Responses
Most of this seems to be due to the increased use of computers. The Swiss have thought about it. As winter draws on, and fuel prices rise, pupils and teachers may have to huddle around a warm monitor.... Bring back out-door education!