Britain’s head teachers could wipe £70 million off school energy bills by making their buildings more energy efficient, the Carbon Trust said today.

Those savings could pay for some 230,000 extra computers for schools each year, or fund the purchase of more than 4.5 million textbooks, according to the Carbon Trust. Reducing energy waste would also cut UK schools’ carbon dioxide emissions by almost 600,000 tonnes.

“Head teachers, parents and governors alike are always seeking ways to make the school budget go further,” said Tom Delay, CEO of the Carbon Trust. “Cutting energy use is a highly effective way to free-up those funds, whilst engaging the school community in the fight against climate change.”

The Carbon Trust released the new figures as part of its campaign encouraging head teachers to realise the potential savings in their school budgets and tackle climate change at the same time. The organisation has also launched a tailored service designed to help head teachers to identify and implement the right energy saving projects for their schools quickly and easily. The service is free of charge and comprises an on-site school assessment by a carbon consultant, followed up by a bespoke report and action plan. It is available to schools and colleges in England and Wales with energy bills in excess of £50,000.

The Carbon Trust’s campaign was launched today at Oaklands Secondary School, Tower Hamlets, London, which has been working with the Carbon Trust to reduce its carbon emissions since 2007.

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