Beyond the energy bill: a smarter approach to managing school estates

For many multi-academy trusts, energy is viewed primarily as a procurement challenge. But with budgets under pressure and sustainability expectations growing, the bigger opportunity lies in understanding how energy is being used across the estate, not just how it is purchased.

Many schools already have the systems and data needed to improve efficiency. Yet heating can run when buildings are empty, Building Management Systems (BMS) can be underutilised, and opportunities to reduce waste often go unnoticed. Addressing these issues can deliver significant savings while improving comfort, operational efficiency and environmental performance. 

A trust-wide approach to energy management provides greater visibility of consumption, supports more accurate budgeting and helps identify where estates can operate more efficiently. It also enables finance and estates teams to make informed decisions based on data rather than assumptions. 

At Capita Entrust, we help schools and trusts take control of energy performance through: 

• Energy consultancy and procurement support

• Building Management System monitoring and optimisation

• Display Energy Certificate (DEC) services

• Budget forecasting and utility management 

• Energy monitoring, reporting and consumption analysis 

In one multi-academy trust, enhanced monitoring identified excessive out-of-hours energy consumption, resulting in savings of more than £1,000 per weekend at a single academy

Start with an energy health check

A high-level review of your current bills, suppliers and contract information can help identify procurement risks, out-of-contract sites and potential opportunities for savings.  

Talk to the Capita Entrust Energy Management Team about an energy health check for your trust.

Email information@entrust-ed.co.uk or call 0333 300 1900.