Decision details

The Chief Officer: Planning and Transport presented the School’s Annual Environmental Management Report 2010/11.

78% of schools in Bracknell Forest were registered with the eco-schools programme. The environment was a high profile issue and there was an awareness of this in many schools. Budgets were tight at present and energy savings would lead to financial rewards. Energy consumption was increasing in Bracknell Forest schools and this would be monitored to see how to manage the demand for carbon reduction and financial savings.

There were varied responses in relation to water consumption in schools and some experienced difficulties in reading water meters on site due to them being in inaccessible locations. Water readings were not received until the end of the calendar year and it was suggested that this report be split into two in order to relay information in relation to energy usage and other environmental information when it was available. 97% of Bracknell Forest schools had a travel plan.

Arising from Members’ questions and comments the following points were made:

• Garth Hill had heavy biomass energy consumption but work would be undertaken in relation to renewable energy to help facilitate better a biomass network. Energy for schools was purchased via contract. This would be monitored and the procurement of energy reviewed. Schools were autonomous in relation to energy consumption and made decisions as individual schools.
• Schools would be encouraged to give further consideration to reading meters, access to meters and collaborating with other schools to purchase energy and water more economically.
• Schools could use the Invest to Save Programme. Primary measures were used to keep schools safe and there were good cases and a process for repaying funds over time. The private sector could invest in schools and procure energy more economically as they were purchasing on a larger scale.
• There were vast differences between the amount of water used by Bracknell Forest Schools. The water company may not be charging the correct rate or readings could be incorrectly taken.
• Further information on water meter readings and costs from Bracknell Forest Schools would be provided.