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.
ICT Strategy Guidance
The following guidance documents have been developed to support schools and trusts in creating a more sustainable, efficient and future-ready ICT estate.
The main document, GBESP IT Sustainability Strategy Guidance Pack, provides practical advice, strategic considerations and recommended approaches to help organisations align their digital infrastructure with wider sustainability goals.
The guidance explores key themes including:
Developing a sustainable ICT strategy
Reducing energy consumption across IT systems
Improving device lifecycle management and procurement
Supporting digital resilience and future planning
Embedding sustainability within day-to-day ICT operations
These resources are designed to help education settings take practical steps towards lowering carbon emissions, improving operational efficiency and maximising long-term value from their ICT investment.
Download the guidance documents below to explore the full recommendations and supporting materials.
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
