Schools and the Carbon Reduction Commitment Energy Efficiency Scheme (CRC) Karen Corkery Sustainability Officer, HCC Chairs of Governing Bodies Forum 6th December 2010

Introduction This presentation will cover: Introduction to the CRC Scheme Implications for HCC and Schools Actions for Schools Relevance to Governors Energy reduction initiatives at HCC Further Information

CO2 = £ What is the CRC? 1. Record 2. Report 3. Purchase Mandatory emissions scheme Aims: Improve energy efficiency & reduce CO2 Qualification: Half hourly metered, 6000MWh 2008 Emission liability Key steps 1. Record 2. Report 3. Purchase The CRC is a new mandatory emissions scheme that began in April 2010, that aims to improve energy efficiency and reduce the amount of CO2 emitted in the UK. The scheme will affect large organisations in both the private and public sector. There is a qualification criteria for the scheme, which is based on half hourly electricity use in the CY 2008. If an organisation used over 6000MWh of half hourly metered electricity in the calendar year 2008, then they will be obliged to participate in the scheme. In the financial year 2007/08, HCC consumed around 13 times this, therefore will be required to participate. It will require participating organisations to purchase allowances and to report on all the emissions that they are liable for under CRC legislation. For local authorities, including County Council this will mean purchasing allowances to cover emissions from: All property that HCC is responsible for paying the energy bills, Street lighting All LA controlled schools and non-LA controlled schools, including VA, VF and academy schools This means that each year CRC legislation requires that for each of the above sources, HCC will have to Four key steps There are very strict reporting and audit requirements which participants must adhere to or face financial and even criminal penalties The scheme will be administered and audited by the Environment Agency Operating and complying with the scheme has a number of implications for HCC. CO2 = £

Implications of CRC for HCC Financial Allowance Costs Rising Energy Prices £12 per tonne CO2 circa £1.6 - £1.7million pa approx 8% of energy costs Reporting & Recording Annual reporting Penalties Incorrect Information: min £5000 Incorrect Reporting: £40 per tonne CO2 Failure to keep adequate records: £40 per tonne CO2

CRC and schools issues Schools Liability for school emissions & allowance costs Cannot charge School’s Budget How to incentivise schools Data Schools will account for 60-70% of HCC CRC emissions & allowance costs

Actions for schools 1. Provide HCC with relevant energy use information: School’s Not on HCC Energy Contract - Energy Use (kWh) for 1 April – 31 March - Meter numbers and meter readings - Copies of Energy bills All Schools - Information on renewable technologies - Information on energy saving activities

Actions for schools 2. Reduce Energy Consumption Draw up an energy reduction policy/plan Set targets Identify problem areas Start with the easy wins Engage with pupils and community Contact HCC for support

What is HCC doing to support schools? Communication with schools/governors/clerks Energy Reduction Advisors AMRs – installation in all schools by March 2011 10:10 and Switch-off campaign Renewables Feasibility Study

What does it mean for school Governors? Governors need to Be aware of the CRC scheme Support SLT Put energy reduction on the agenda Appoint an energy reduction champion Set energy reduction targets Help schools to develop an energy action plan: implement the plan get the whole school on board meet targets

Further Information For more information on the scheme, relevant forms and case studies please see: http://www.thegrid.org.uk/leadership/sustainability/crc/ crc@hertscc.gov.uk

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