School Carbon Reduction Programme

Coordinated by DCC for all schools within the municipality that buy into DCC’s energy service level agreement (SLA). The programme began in 2010 & provided an unprecedented coordinated strategic approach to improving energy use and energy efficiency in primary and secondary schools. It enables schools to access their gas, electricity and water data through an online portal called ‘Systemslink’. Additionally, schools receive billing and technical support from the centrally based corporate Low Carbon team, and in-school support from a team of educational specialists who provide educational sessions for pupils & teaching staff as well as working with school caretakers and business managers to look at financial saving opportunities. Prior to the project starting, school energy use was increasing and accounted for over 54% of the carbon emissions for DCC owned buildings, costing the schools over €7 million a year. Due to the large number of schools within the municipality, a pilot scheme was initially launched which involved 60 schools while expectations, project objectives and technical support were established. In the 16/17 academic year, the programme involves 241 schools. To date, the programme has achieved significant reductions in electricity and gas consumption, and their associated carbon emissions. Due to the cost of electricity rising significantly since 2010, energy consumption reductions also offer financial resilience against further price increases.