Showing the way to effective refurbishment

Schools in Sheffield have been encouraged by the city council to adopted cost-effective energy-saving refurbishment measures, winning for the Sheffield schools project the award for low-carbon refurbishment of the year. Refurbishment measures reduce carbon-dioxide emissions over the long term, and the efforts of Sheffield City Council were acknowledged. The aim of the Sheffield schools project was to deliver carbon savings in schools by providing roof insulation, cavity-wall insulation, draught proofing and other energy-efficiency measures that were practically possible and financially viable. All schools in Sheffield are financially independent and require assistance to fund non-curricular activities. A special challenge was that each set of efficiency measures had to be marketed and sold to head teachers and governing boards at each of the 23 schools. All the work was funded via Salix loans to the schools, repayable over periods of up to five years. Salix Finance is in partnership with Sheffield City Council to provide loaned funds for carbon-saving measures in public buildings. Each school was examined to determine the technology that would most effectively reduce energy costs and consumption. Consideration was given to effectiveness, technical practicality and the extent of the works. Competitive quotations were sought for each work item. The results were presented to each head teacher, with a proposal for financing the work.