Outsourced utility management delivers tangible results for Bedford Education Partnership
The challenge
Bedford Education Partnership (BEP), which incorporates Central Bedford Council and Bilfinger Berger, built two PFI schools over five years ago; Samuel Whitbread Community College and Harlington Upper School. After testing its utility management contract at both schools, it was realised that BEP’s arrangement did not give a dedicated focus to reducing consumption and running costs.
BEP was looking for a utilities management solution that would cut consumption at no upfront cost. Leading carbon-reduction company, Sustain, was chosen to work with BEP due to its proven commitment to carbon and water savings, as well as its ability to work directly with the staff and pupils at both schools.
The solution
Sustain undertook an audit of both schools to review each establishment’s electricity, gas and water usage. Following the assessments, a tailored plan was
devised for each school. Each strategy outlined key carbon and water savings that would be implemented over a five-year period.
Physical solutions were installed in both schools, which included the insulation of both boiler rooms. Sustain also worked closely with the staff at each school to establish good carbon management practises, both in the classroom and throughout the rest of the building.
The outcome
As a result, Sustain’s work has delivered a carbon (eq) saving of 244 tonnes and five million litres of water. In the first 11 months, the company reduced gas consumption by 19 per cent, electricity by 13 per cent and water by a remarkable 36 per cent.
Sustain has funded the investment in utility savings measures, which is financed by the savings generated. Through a dedicated focus on utility management, Sustain has reduced the costs to both
schools by over £44,000 per year. Speaking about the project, Robbie Irvine, Assistant Principal at Samuel Whitbread Community College, said: “I have been impressed with the work Sustain have carried out for us at the school since taking over as our utility management partner.
“Sustain has made visible carbon and water savings and its team has engaged with staff to spread the message about energy saving issues and ‘quick win’ solutions. They were able to take on board and react quickly to any questions or concerns that we had. We believe the appointment of Sustain has been nothing but positive and we look forward to working with them further.”
The company is now implementing additional practical actions to improve carbon and water savings. Sustain is also in talks with the BEP about rolling out the strategy across Bedford. For further information, please visit
www.sustain.co.uk
PUBLIC SECTOR SUSTAINABILITY • VOLUME 2 ISSUE 6 25
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40