Sustainable Schools: Paving the Way to a Net Zero Future

Hello, Champions of Net Zero!
In the quest for a sustainable future, the education sector plays a pivotal role, particularly in the UK, where over 32,000 schools are actively shaping the next generation. However, these institutions have historically been significant contributors to carbon emissions, primarily due to their reliance on traditional heating methods. As we move forward, the government’s expectations are clear: the education sector must spearhead the transition away from fossil fuels, embracing sustainable building practices and renewable energy sources. This transition not only aims to mitigate environmental impact but also seeks to instil a sense of environmental stewardship among students, integrating sustainability into the educational curriculum.
Despite these noble intentions, a considerable challenge lies ahead. It is estimated that a staggering 70% of the current school buildings will still be in operation by 2050. This statistic highlights the urgent need for refurbishing existing infrastructures with energy-efficient technologies to meet future sustainability targets.
Enter Adveco, a specialist in hot water solutions, with extensive experience in the education sector. The company has been at the forefront of discussions about the best options for water heating that can help schools embrace sustainability now and in the years to come. With a focus on delivering reliable and cost-effective hot water solutions, Adveco is well-versed in the unique challenges faced by schools, particularly in ensuring a consistent supply of hot water while keeping costs manageable.
Traditionally, gas has been the go-to energy source for heating water in schools. However, the past five years have seen the emergence of new, lower-carbon options that provide greater flexibility. Recent research commissioned by Adveco has revealed a concerning trend: gas-fired water heating still dominates the market, accounting for 90% of new or refurbished school heating systems from 2019 to 2023. This continued reliance on gas underscores the need for a paradigm shift towards more sustainable alternatives.
While there has been a gradual increase in the specification of lower-carbon technologies such as electric water heating, heat pumps, and solar thermal systems, adoption rates remain disappointingly low. Despite the availability of funding for sustainability projects, many schools have been slow to embrace these technologies. Among these options, air source heat pumps have shown a more rapid uptake; however, their deployment has primarily been limited to new builds rather than retrofitting existing infrastructures.
Consultants and contractors frequently mention heat pumps in discussions about heating solutions. However, many professionals have come to realise that separating heating and hot water systems often yields better outcomes. This separation makes sense from a design perspective, allowing for a more tailored approach to each system’s specific requirements.
When it comes to retrofitting existing school buildings, hybrid hot water systems are gaining traction. Yet, many professionals report encountering significant hurdles when attempting to implement heat pumps. Issues such as high costs, existing infrastructure limitations, and design complexities often complicate the transition away from gas. The financial implications are particularly daunting for schools, where the capital investment and increased operational costs associated with electricity can be substantial. Currently, gas costs hover around 5.48p per kWh, while electricity can reach as high as 22.36p per kWh. This stark price difference raises valid concerns for schools, especially those with high hot water demands.
Furthermore, the introduction of electric water heating can place an additional burden on a school’s electrical system. In facilities with already substantial electrical usage, adding high-demand electric water heaters and heat pumps can lead to costly upgrades to the electrical infrastructure. Adveco’s experience indicates that many projects are already facing these expensive adjustments, which could have been avoided with better hot water design from the outset. Consequently, specifications are often reverting back to gas systems where connections are available, primarily due to their simplicity, familiarity, and cost-effectiveness. Newer generation appliances are increasingly seen as more efficient, boasting lower carbon and nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions, with many being 20% hydrogen-blend ready, providing a viable option for the future.
Despite the ongoing reliance on gas, the surprisingly low number of projects incorporating solar thermal installations raises eyebrows. This technology has a proven track record and presents an excellent opportunity to offset at least 30% of daily gas demands for water heating, leading to notable reductions in carbon emissions and operational costs. Interestingly, tertiary education institutions appear more receptive to integrating solar thermal solutions, as universities are increasingly tasked with developing green campuses, energy-efficient buildings, and renewable energy installations. As a result, there is an expectation that by 2026, universities will provide sustainability models and strategies that can be filtered down to schools and other educational facilities, potentially increasing the adoption curve for solar thermal systems.
So, how can schools effectively embrace sustainability in water heating moving forward? Each school presents unique challenges and opportunities when it comes to low-carbon water heating solutions. Factors such as location, existing infrastructure, building size, and usage patterns all inform the sizing, design, and technology choices for hot water systems. To achieve the efficiencies needed to meet demand while simultaneously cutting emissions and costs, a comprehensive understanding of the building and its usage is essential.
In this regard, Adveco recommends metering water flow for precise demand modelling. This straightforward, non-invasive approach is low-cost and yields significant benefits, including reduced capital expenditure and more accurate modelling of future operational costs. With accurate data in hand, schools can make better-informed decisions about whether to remain on lower-cost gas, incorporate solar thermal solutions, or transition to electric water heating systems, potentially in conjunction with heat pumps or solar thermal technologies to optimise energy consumption and enhance carbon reduction efforts.
Ultimately, these options present viable pathways for schools to bridge the gap towards future technologies, such as green gas and advanced high-efficiency heat pumps. By taking proactive steps today, schools can set themselves on a trajectory to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050 and beyond, fostering an environmentally conscious generation in the process.
For more insights into sustainable solutions for the education sector, visit Adveco.
This article originally appeared in the Jan/Feb 2025 issue of Energy Manager magazine. For further updates and information, subscribe here.