Brighter classrooms, smaller bills: UK schools cut carbon and costs with Drax Foundation funding

Schools across the UK are taking the lead on important energy saving measures, reducing their carbon footprint and reaping the rewards where it matters most, in the classroom.

Over £1.5 million worth of investment from the Drax Foundation has enabled 27 schools across the country to slash their carbon emissions, saving thousands on energy bills in the process, to be reinvested into improving pupils’ education on green skills.

From LED lighting upgrades to solar panel installations and cutting-edge energy education tools, the initiative is proving that sustainability and smarter spending go hand in hand.

So far, 24 schools have swapped outdated lighting for efficient LEDs, cutting lighting-related carbon emissions by an average of 59% and trimming lighting costs by a staggering 72%. That’s an average of £35,000 saved per school over the course of a year, cash that’s now being channelled into better resources, extracurricular activities and new learning experiences.

Three schools in Selby and Northampton have also harnessed solar power to drive further savings and reduce reliance on grid electricity.

“This investment in our school not only makes the school greener and more sustainable, it also allows our school to use its limited budget to enrich and enhance the children’s experiences,” said Sarah Dixon, Headteacher at Barwic Parade Community Primary School, a mere stone’s throw away from Drax Power Station in nearby Selby.

It’s not just infrastructure getting a green upgrade. Drax has teamed up with Energy Sparks, a charity that provides extensive support to teachers and pupils when learning about energy and climate change, to give 240 schools free access to energy management tools and sustainability education.

The results speak for themselves: in 2024 alone, participating schools cut 2,100 tonnes of CO₂ emissions, the equivalent of removing 1,500 cars off UK roads a year, and shaved £1 million off of their collective energy bills.

“The ongoing funding from the Drax Foundation will allow participating schools to embed energy-saving behaviours and provide more opportunities for children and young people to develop green skills,” explains Dr Claudia Towner, CEO and Programme Director at Energy Sparks.

Jane Breach, UK Community and Education Manager at Drax said: “Through the Drax Foundation, we’re empowering schools across the UK to cut carbon emissions, reduce energy costs, and create more sustainable learning environments. It’s a powerful example of our new sustainability approach in action – putting people first and building a brighter, greener future for the next generation. We look forward to continuing our work with schools across the UK, helping them to prioritise energy efficiency and lower their bills.