Advice & Guidance
Control Manual for Schools
This document provides practical guidance to help schools manage heating systems and building controls more effectively, improving comfort, reducing energy use and supporting carbon reduction goals.
Developed as part of the GBESP programme, it is aimed at estates teams, site managers and responsible bodies, giving them a clear understanding of how heating and ventilation systems operate and how small adjustments can make a significant difference.
The manual covers common system types found in schools, key control principles such as scheduling, setpoints and zoning, and offers straightforward guidance on monitoring performance, identifying faults and maintaining efficient operation.
It also includes practical tools, such as a quick-start guide for day-to-day checks and templates for maintaining a heating log book, helping schools embed consistent and effective operational practices.
Overall, the purpose of this document is to support schools in taking greater control of their building systems—reducing energy costs, improving the learning environment and contributing to a more sustainable future.
Let’s Go Zero Workshops
Explore recordings of all Let’s Go Zero workshops, designed to support schools at every stage of their journey to becoming zero carbon.
Each session focuses on a key area, from getting started with climate action planning and understanding carbon footprints, to practical energy-saving strategies and developing green skills across your school.
The workshops are tailored for a range of roles, including Sustainability Leads, Facilities Leads and Careers Leads, ensuring relevant and actionable insights for your team.
Workshop One: Getting started, climate action planning and carbon footprints for Sustainability Leads – Recording here
Workshop Two: Energy Saving Workshop for Sustainability Leads – Recording here
Workshop Three: Energy Saving Workshop for Facility Leads – Recording here
Workshop Four: Green Skills Workshop for Sustainability Leads and Career Leads – Recording here
