Generated by All in One SEO v5.0.0.1, this is an llms.txt file, used by LLMs to index the site. # ACES Action on Carbon and Energy in Schools (ACES) is an energy efficiency support service to help schools in Oxfordshire carry out energy saving measures to cut carbon emissions save money on energy bills make buildings more comfortable and healthier for staff and students. ## Sitemaps - [XML Sitemap](https://ace-schools.org/sitemap.xml): Contains all public & indexable URLs for this website. ## Posts - [News](https://ace-schools.org/news/) - News News, blogs and case studies from the project. Don't forget to sign up to our newsletter. ## Pages - [Homepage](https://ace-schools.org/) - An energy efficiency support service to help schools in Oxfordshire carry out energy saving measures to cut carbon emissions, save money on energy bills. - [Contact us](https://ace-schools.org/contact-us/) - Help desk If you have a question about energy efficiency for your school, please get in touch by completing this form. Get in touch today General queries Email: info@ace-schools.org - [Help desk](https://ace-schools.org/help-desk/) - Have a question about energy in your school? We’re here to help. Simply fill out this form and a member of the team will get back to you. Complete form - [FAQs](https://ace-schools.org/faqs/) - Have a question about energy efficiency for your school? Check out our FAQs below. To keep up to date with what’s new, check our resources and sign up to our newsletter. If you have a question that isn't covered here, please do contact us through our Help Desk. Where do I even start reducing energy - [Services](https://ace-schools.org/services/) - Find out how ACES can help your school ACES has a variety of services that can help your school to cut carbon emissions, save money on energy bills, and make buildings more comfortable and healthier for staff and students. - [Energy efficiency loan scheme](https://ace-schools.org/energy-efficiency-loan-scheme/) - Interest free loan from Oxfordshire County Council This funding is now closed. If you'd like to hear about future loan offers, please express your interest via our Help desk. Oxfordshire County Council (OCC) has launched an interest-free Schools Energy Efficiency Loan to enable OCC maintained schools to finance the installation of energy efficiency measures that - [Funding available for Oxfordshire schools to save energy: interest-free Schools Energy Efficiency Loan](https://ace-schools.org/funding-available-for-oxfordshire-schools-to-save-energy-interest-free-schools-energy-efficiency-loan/) - Oxfordshire County Council (OCC) has launched an interest-free Schools Energy Efficiency Loan to enable OCC maintained schools to finance the installation of energy efficiency measures that will help reduce energy use. Maintained schools can now apply for a OCC loan of up to £70,000 to install LED lighting and/or solar PV. We understand that each - [Privacy Policy](https://ace-schools.org/privacy-policy/) - Who we are Action on Carbon and Energy in Schools is a project delivered by the Environmental Information Exchange (EiE) team at Oxford Brookes University and Low Carbon Hub and funded by Oxfordshire County Council. Oxfordshire County Council are the data controllers for the project and EiE and Low Carbon Hub are the data processors. - [Resources](https://ace-schools.org/resource/) - [About](https://ace-schools.org/about/) - About ACES We offer free energy efficiency support to schools in Oxfordshire Action on Carbon and Energy in Schools (ACES) is an energy efficiency support service to help schools in Oxfordshire carry out energy saving measures to cut carbon emissions, save money on energy bills, and make buildings more comfortable and healthy for users. We - [Events](https://ace-schools.org/event/) - Webinars, workshops, and other events to help your school improve energy efficiency - [Past events](https://ace-schools.org/past-event/) - Recordings and notes from our past events - [The team](https://ace-schools.org/the-team/) - Action on Carbon and Energy in Schools in a partnership between: EiE (Environmental Information Exchange) EiE is a not-for-profit organisation based at Oxford Brookes University providing UK organisations with support to reduce their energy, water, and waste. They are delivering the service using their expert team experienced in delivering energy efficiency solutions for schools, organisations - [Join our mailing list](https://ace-schools.org/newsletter/) - Subscribe * indicates required Email Address * First Name Last Name School name Email Permissions Please click here to confirm that you're happy to receive updates about Action on Carbon and Energy in Schools and ways your school can improve your energy performance. Confirm that I want to receive updates You can unsubscribe at any ## Resource - [How to... manage heating controls](https://ace-schools.org/resource/how-to-manage-heating-controls/) - Discover how to review your school's heating technology. - [How to ... improve insulation & draught proofing](https://ace-schools.org/resource/how-to-insulate-calculate-a-school-carbon-footprint/) - The best ways of insulating and draught proofing. - [How to ... decarbonise with heat pumps](https://ace-schools.org/resource/how-to-decarbonise-with-heat-pumps/) - Learn if a heat pump is right for your school. - [How to ... get serious about solar PV](https://ace-schools.org/resource/how-to-get-serious-about-solar-pv/) - Learn about solar panels and battery storage. - [How to... engage staff and students on energy and carbon](https://ace-schools.org/resource/how-to-engage-staff-and-students-on-energy-and-carbon/) - Effective strategies for active involvement in energy and carbon. - [How to... calculate your school's carbon footprint](https://ace-schools.org/resource/how-to-calculate-a-school-carbon-footprint/) - Discover how to calculate your school's carbon footprint. - [How to... Engage an LED contractor for your school](https://ace-schools.org/resource/how-to-engage-an-led-contractor-for-your-school/) - This short video takes you through the process of engaging an LED installer for your school. This resource is particularly useful for any school involved in the Oxfordshire County Council low-interest loan scheme. However, any school looking to install LED lights will benefit from finding out the best way to engage an installer. It covers: - [How to... Engage solar PV contractors for your school](https://ace-schools.org/resource/how-to-engage-solar-pv-contractors-for-your-school/) - This short video takes you through the process of engaging a solar PV panel installer for your school, from how to invite quotes through to the questions you should be asking to help you make your decision. This resource is particularly useful for any school involved in the Oxfordshire County Council low-interest loan scheme. However, - [Schools energy efficiency checklist](https://ace-schools.org/resource/schools-energy-efficiency-checklist/) - Incorporating energy efficiency practices in your school will help to reduce the school's carbon footprint, save energy, and inspire responsibility among students. - [How to... find out annual energy use](https://ace-schools.org/resource/how-to-videos/) - Gather and use data to plan energy improvements. - [How to ... review energy controls in schools](https://ace-schools.org/resource/how-to-review-energy-controls-in-schools/) - Looking at different controls and how these can be managed to minimise wastage. - [How to... optimise your energy efficiency](https://ace-schools.org/resource/how-to-optimise-your-energy-efficiency/) - Make savings without compromising performance. - [Automation and smart controls in schools](https://ace-schools.org/resource/automation-and-smart-controls-in-schools/) - Lighting One of the measures they implemented was the installation of motion detectors in corridors and toilets, which automatically turned off lights when not in use. The college gradually upgraded all their lighting. In addition, they purchased software that was able to turn off all computers at night and turn them back on in the - [Student engagement and behaviour change](https://ace-schools.org/resource/student-engagement-and-behaviour-change/) - Linking to the curriculum Another activity involved the students measuring the power usage of the two different kinds of light, making a great link to science curriculum learning. What was the result? Student-led behaviour change combined with insulation, moving to LED lights and smart controls, the college halved their energy use. At the time, the - [Measuring energy usage](https://ace-schools.org/resource/measuring-energy-usage/) - Measuring energy usage at Okehampton College They found they could halve their electricity bill by stopping waste such as being more thoughtful about what is left running overnight and at other inappropriate times. “If you don’t measure it, you can’t control it. I’d say the absolute key to it all was measuring and understanding what - [Free energy assessment](https://ace-schools.org/resource/apply-for-a-free-energy-assessment/) - Apply for a fully funded energy assessment to kick start your energy efficiency improvements We have currently allocated all of our free energy assessments. If you are interested in future offers, please let us know here to be the first to hear of future opportunities. Action on Carbon and Energy in Schools has a limited ## News - [Our Impact](https://ace-schools.org/news/our-impact/) - What we've acheieved together In its third year, the ACES programme continued to provide energy efficiency support to Oxfordshire’s county-maintained schools. To date, the programme has reached over 60% of these schools, achieving actual carbon savings of 55 tonnes of CO2 as a direct result of implemented recommendations. The potential carbon savings from all recommended - [Help shape energy support for schools](https://ace-schools.org/news/help-shape-energy-support-for-schools/) - Over the past three years Action on Carbon and Energy in Schools (ACES) has been providing energy efficiency support for county-maintained schools across Oxfordshire. Can you help shape the service? Could you please take a couple of minutes to complete our short survey? Whether you’ve used the ACES service or not, your feedback will help - [Interest-free loans now available](https://ace-schools.org/news/interest-free-loans-now-available/) - For Oxfordshire County maintained schools Applications are now being accepted for the latest round of interest-free loan schemes to help schools install energy saving measures. Eligible schools can apply for a loan to cover the cost of installing rooftop solar PV, LED lighting or battery storage, or a combination of these measures. Several schools are - [Press release: Whitchurch Primary School invests in energy efficient classrooms](https://ace-schools.org/news/press-release-whitchurch-primary-school-invests-in-energy-efficient-classrooms/) - Pupils at Whitchurch Primary School are set to benefit from environmentally friendly classrooms after successfully applying for a schools energy efficiency loan from Oxfordshire County Council. The county council has been running the interest free loan scheme since July 2023 to help maintained schools reduce their overall energy usage, which in turn could help - [Press release: Sonning Common Primary School invests in energy efficient classrooms](https://ace-schools.org/news/press-release-sonning-common-primary-school-invests-in-energy-efficient-classrooms/) - Pupils at Sonning Common Primary School are set to benefit from environmentally friendly classrooms after successfully applying for a schools energy efficiency loan from Oxfordshire County Council. The county council has been running the interest free loan scheme since July 2023 to help maintained schools reduce their overall energy usage, which in turn could help - [News release: New Year, new funding: Interest-free loan now available for Oxfordshire County Council maintained schools to install energy saving measures   ](https://ace-schools.org/news/news-release-new-year-new-funding-interest-free-loan-now-available-for-oxfordshire-county-council-maintained-schools-to-install-energy-saving-measures/) - Following a successful first round last year, an interest-free loan launches this week to enable Oxfordshire schools to install energy saving measures. The scheme has already supported four schools and re-launches this week with limited funding available on a first come, first served basis. County maintained schools in Oxfordshire can apply for an interest-free loan - [Press release: Nettlebed Community School invests in energy efficient classrooms](https://ace-schools.org/news/press-release-nettlebed-community-school-invests-in-energy-efficient-classrooms/) - Pupils at Nettlebed Community School are set to benefit from brighter, environmentally friendly classrooms after successfully applying for a schools energy efficiency loan from Oxfordshire County Council. The county council has been running the interest free loan scheme since July 2023 to help maintained schools reduce their overall energy usage, which in turn could help - [New and updated energy efficiency checklist](https://ace-schools.org/news/new-and-updated-energy-efficiency-checklist/) - Download our free energy efficiency checklist for schools - [Funding available for Oxfordshire schools to save energy: interest-free Schools Energy Efficiency Loan](https://ace-schools.org/news/funding-available-for-oxfordshire-schools-to-save-energy-interest-free-schools-energy-efficiency-loan/) - Oxfordshire County Council (OCC) has launched an interest-free Schools Energy Efficiency Loan to enable OCC maintained schools to finance the installation of energy efficiency measures that will help reduce energy use. This funding is now closed. If you are interested in future offers, please express your interest via our Help desk to be the first - [Attention Oxfordshire schools: take our survey so we can better support you!](https://ace-schools.org/news/attention-oxfordshire-schools-take-our-survey-so-we-can-better-support-you/) - To better understand the support requirements of schools in Oxfordshire, we are conducting a new survey for our second year running. Our ACES (Action on Carbon and Energy in Schools) initiative, funded by Oxfordshire County Council, aims to enhance the energy efficiency assistance provided to schools. By participating in this survey, you have the opportunity - [Our launch and survey results](https://ace-schools.org/news/our-launch-and-survey-results/) - We’re delighted to announce the launch of our new energy efficiency programme Action on Carbon and Energy in Schools (ACES) that will help schools across Oxfordshire cut their energy use, carbon emissions and help them save money on their energy bills. We’re in the early stages of the project and we’ll be adding more information ## Blog - [How to Engage Students in Energy-Saving Behaviour](https://ace-schools.org/blog/how-to-engage-students-in-energy-saving-behaviour/) - Uncover simple, effective methods to involve students in energy audits and link energy saving to real-world climate action. - [Beat the heat: Keeping classrooms cool on a hot day](https://ace-schools.org/blog/keeping-classrooms-cool-on-a-hot-day/) - When temperatures soar, schools can start to get very uncomfortable for staff and students. This isn’t only unpleasant, but it can also disrupt learning and impact wellbeing. But cranking up the air conditioning isn't the only answer, and often isn't an option in UK schools anyway. Here are some practical, low-carbon strategies to help your - [School Installs Solar Panels Through Loan Scheme](https://ace-schools.org/blog/school-installs-solar-panels-through-loan-scheme/) - Woodstock Primary School has installed a large solar PV array on their roof, to reduce electricity costs, address climate change by cutting carbon emissions as well as creating more renewable energy for the local electricity grid. What did they do? The Schools Business Manager contacted ACES about the Oxfordshire Schools Efficiency Loan Scheme. After submitting - [Boiler Room Insulation](https://ace-schools.org/blog/boiler-room-insulation/) - Why it's important and how you can improve it This post addresses the importance of improving the insulation in your school boiler room. Why address your boiler room insulation? Most schools will have one or more boiler rooms with hot pipework covered with insulation. However, often there are uncovered sections, particularly valves and other oddly - [Schools Energy Efficiency Checklist](https://ace-schools.org/blog/schools-energy-efficiency-checklist/) - Our easy-to-use Energy Efficiency Checklist for schools is a valuable resource to reduce your carbon footprint, save energy, and inspire environmental responsibility among students. - [Saving energy during the school holidays](https://ace-schools.org/blog/saving-energy-during-the-school-holidays/) - Saving energy during the school holidays Schools are always using some energy for essentials, such as security systems. However, half terms and holidays, when there are no staff or students in the buildings, are an opportunity to make sure non-essentials are switched off. Reviewing school switch off will help save carbon, energy and money. Here - [Spring savings on heating](https://ace-schools.org/blog/spring-savings-on-heating/) - Spring savings on heating As the heating season comes to an end and the weather gets warmer, it's important to think about how to manage heating in schools to save energy. We’re nearing the end of the heating season as days become sunnier and warmer. We’re already in the ‘shoulder months’ where heating may only - [Managing your school’s heating – active approaches](https://ace-schools.org/blog/managing-your-schools-heating-active-approaches/) - Managing your school’s heating – active approaches How can you adequately heat your school while minimising energy waste? Either on or off The highest level of heating control in a school is whether the system is simply on or off (sometimes ‘winter’ or ‘summer’). Some schools will wait as long as possible to use any - [Free thermal imaging service](https://ace-schools.org/blog/442/) - Free thermal imaging service We are now offering free thermal imaging for schools with limited spaces. The offer is suitable for schools that have had an energy assessment in the last 5 years and are progressing through their actions. You can apply for a free check with our expert team if your school hasn't had - [Energy saving opportunities for schools – quick wins you may not have completed](https://ace-schools.org/blog/energy-saving-opportunities-for-schools-quick-wins-you-may-not-have-completed/) - Energy saving opportunities for schools – quick wins you may not have completed What are common ways that UK schools save energy without compromising comfortable buildings? Here are some you may not have yet addressed. Work in kWh Kilowatt hours (kWh) is how electricity, gas, and other fossil fuels are measured. Many schools know their ## Event - [Financing energy measures and leadership in best practice](https://ace-schools.org/event/leadership-and-energy-best-practice/) - With the latest rise in energy prices more budget is needed to support energy and carbon savings measures. In this webinar we provided an update on sources of financial support and details on an exclusive Oxfordshire County Council no interest loan scheme for maintained schools. In this webinar, we answer the question: how can schools - [Insulation & calculating a school carbon footprint](https://ace-schools.org/event/insulation-calculating-a-school-carbon-footprint/) - In this webinar, we looked at the importance of insulation and draught-proofing for your school. We also look at the role thermal imaging can play in guiding a school on what actions to prioritise (11 minutes). In the second part of the session, we cover how to begin calculating a carbon footprint of a school - [Engaging students and staff on energy and carbon](https://ace-schools.org/event/engaging-students-and-staff-on-energy-and-carbon/) - What activities can both engage students and improve awareness and action on energy efficiency in the school? What resources exist on energy and carbon in schools? What can school staff do to help reduce energy use in the school? What examples are there of successful staff awareness programmes? Download the presentation About our workshops and - [Planning renewable energy and heat pumps](https://ace-schools.org/event/planning-renewable-energy-and-heat-pumps/) - In this webinar, we looked at solar photovoltaic panels and battery storage as well as how other schools have funded them (15 minutes). Heat pumps looked at how this technology works, its benefits, as well as examples of systems at other schools (15 minutes). About our webinars and workshops Events from Action on Carbon and - [Compiling energy data and reviewing controls](https://ace-schools.org/event/compiling-energy-data-and-reviewing-controls/) - Compiling energy data includes an overview of why knowing your kilowatt hours is important, several ways to gather and use data, and how this data can be used to plan improvements (15 minutes). See the: how to find annual energy use video Reviewing controls covers improved settings for heating, lights, and other energy using systems. - [Optimising your energy efficiency & heating technology](https://ace-schools.org/event/optimising-your-energy-efficiency-heating-technology/) - Optimising energy efficiency provides some areas where action can be taken to make savings without compromising performance. We’ll look at lighting, hot water, cooling & ventilation, and a number of energy using appliances (15 minutes). We’ll also review heating technology, including boilers, radiators, fan convectors, etc. We’ll discuss a number of checks to find more - [Launch of Action on Carbon and Energy in Schools](https://ace-schools.org/event/launch-of-action-on-carbon-and-energy-in-schools/) - We heard from: Councillor Peter Sudbury, Oxfordshire County Council's Cabinet Member for Climate Change Delivery and Environment Ian Courtenay, Head of Governors at Carterton Community College Michael and Moira of the ACES team ## Service - [Interest-free loan](https://ace-schools.org/services/interest-free-loan/) - Energy efficiency loans for County-maintained schools School energy efficiency loan Oxfordshire County Council has funding for county-maintained schools to apply for an interest-free loan to finance the installation of energy saving measures. The funds can be used to install: Rooftop solar PV LED lighting Battery storage Applications for the loan scheme will be reviewed as - [Free energy assessment](https://ace-schools.org/services/free-energy-assessment/) - Kick start your energy journey Is your school wasting energy? Are you keen to cut your carbon footprint? Apply for a free energy assessment today and find where you could be saving on your energy bills. Apply for a free energy assessment Action on Carbon and Energy in Schools has a limited number of free ## Categories - [Uncategorized](https://ace-schools.org/category/uncategorized/)