16. Steve Bolt, Director of BCR Associates
Tim Warneford is in Alton, Hampshire, with Steve Bolt, director of BCR Associates, a cost management consultancy that support clients – including academies – to increase efficiency, manage risk, ensure compliance and rationalise procurement costs. Tim and Steve are also working on a collaboration with Lloyds Bank education team to support academy trusts seeking to assist academy trust to optimise resources and maximise potential.
On this episode we cover:
The challenges of managing large estates, buildings and energy efficiency
BCR understand how a site consumes energy
They will audit and review their energy
To allow academies to help educate staff and pupils on energy consumption
Looking at what is going in the energy metres
Getting clamps sponsored so there’s no outlay for the school
Schools taking positive steps towards reducing energy consumption
Pupils then looking at global warming and climate change
DfE encouraging people to address carbon reduction
Lockdown reducing energy consumption worldwide
Schools being encouraged to invest in technology
Analysing data collected about a school’s energy management
Schools having three contract options for energy
Over 27 government levies and taxes in energy products
Making sure contracts allow schools to reduce energy without penalties
The commercial world having more flexibility than LEA schools
Gas prices at ten year low due to lockdown
Financial challenges always there for schools
Grants that are available to support capital outlay
Creative solutions such as renting roof space for cheaper electricity
‘Educating the educators’ to make savings
Operating leases versus power purchase agreements
Encouraging estates to reinvest back into income generating schemes
Schools adding carbon management into the curriculum
Pupils getting involved with carbon saving initiatives
Making schools as cost effective as possible
Suggest schools review their current contracts for electricity and a gas
A mid market review will enable schools to negotiate mid-contract and save cash
Tim’s revamped due diligence package
Academies can expect a 5-10% energy cost increase each year
Considering the above it is key for academies and schools to act on energy consumption now
Schools needing to have energy plans in place
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