New Baxi Research: Schools Back Heat Decarbonisation Despite Barriers

Hello, Champions of Net Zero!

In a recent survey conducted by Baxi, a leading provider of heating solutions, the results have shed light on the pressing challenges facing UK schools as they strive towards decarbonisation of their heating systems. The findings reveal a mixture of enthusiasm for net zero and significant obstacles that need to be addressed to facilitate the transition to low carbon heating solutions.

More than a third of UK schools are currently grappling with various challenges that hinder their progress towards achieving heating system decarbonisation. Key issues cited include technical difficulties, power requirements, and funding constraints, all of which present barriers to upgrading to low carbon heating systems. Despite these hurdles, an impressive 90% of schools surveyed have identified net zero as a key priority, with an astounding 99% confirming they already have net zero plans in place.

The survey, which involved 200 state school estates managers, consultant engineers, and mechanical and electrical contractors, uncovered a strong consensus on the importance of net zero within educational institutions. A remarkable 90% of estates managers acknowledged net zero as a priority, a sentiment echoed by 78% of consultant engineers and contractors. Additionally, 99% of school estates managers reported having a net zero plan in place, showcasing a proactive approach to sustainability.

Interestingly, the survey indicated a high level of satisfaction with low carbon heating systems among school estates managers, with 95% having replaced a fossil fuel boiler with a heat pump in their facilities. Furthermore, 97% of all school estates managers, which constitutes 87% of all respondents, viewed heat pump performance and operating costs positively, reflecting a growing acceptance of these technologies.

However, the study also highlighted significant challenges that respondents face when considering the installation of low carbon heating systems. Notably, technical difficulties emerged as a primary barrier, with 36% of school estates managers and 39% of consultant engineers and contractors identifying this issue. This points to a potential skills gap that could impede the progress of decarbonisation projects across the sector.

Both estates managers and engineers recognised the need for additional electricity capacity to support low carbon heating solutions, with 36% of consultant engineers and contractors citing this as a challenge to decarbonisation efforts. Furthermore, school estates managers identified other critical challenges, including financial and technical feasibility, infrastructure requirements, and the length of project timelines, particularly since major refurbishment projects are often restricted to the limited window of time available during the summer holidays.

The persistent issue of rising electricity prices in the UK is another barrier that complicates efforts to decarbonise state schools. Despite the strong support for low carbon heating solutions, these financial constraints pose a significant challenge for institutions aiming to transition away from fossil fuels.

Amidst these challenges, the survey did identify potential solutions that could facilitate the transition towards low carbon heating. Hybrid heat pump systems and prefabricated packaged solutions emerged as popular options among Baxi survey respondents. Notably, hybrid heat pumps were favoured over standalone heat pump systems, with 80% of consultant engineers and contractors expressing a likelihood of recommending a hybrid system. Support for hybrid solutions among school estates managers increased with the size of the school, likely due to factors such as costs, compatibility with existing hydronic systems, and shorter installation timeframes compared to converting to standalone heat pump systems.

However, despite the clear advantages of hybrid heat pump solutions, grant support for these technologies under the Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme (PSDS) remains limited, highlighting a gap that needs to be addressed to unlock their full potential.

To accelerate the decarbonisation of state schools and eliminate barriers to the installation of hybrid heating systems, Baxi has outlined four key policy recommendations for the Government:

• Include heating system upgrades for schools within existing public sector support schemes, leveraging GB Energy for support.
• Incorporate hybrid heating systems into existing support frameworks.
• Address the price imbalance between gas and electricity to encourage the adoption of low carbon alternatives.
• Tackle the skills gap to ensure the successful delivery of clean energy projects.

In conclusion, while the enthusiasm for net zero and low carbon heating systems within UK schools is palpable, significant challenges remain that must be overcome to realise these ambitions fully. By addressing technical difficulties, financial constraints, and the skills gap, and by providing adequate support for hybrid heating systems, we can pave the way for a sustainable future in education. For more insights and details on Baxi’s solutions for schools, please visit our website and read the comprehensive survey report linked here.

This article originally appeared in the June 2025 issue of Energy Manager magazine. Subscribe for more updates on the latest in energy management and sustainability.

This rewritten piece is structured to enhance readability and engagement while ensuring adherence to UK British English standards. It also conveys the essential findings and recommendations from the original article in a compelling manner suitable for the audience of the Net Zero News Network.