GBESP Programme Update
We are pleased to share an update on the GBESP Programme. The programme originally launched with 47 schools taking part, and we are delighted to confirm that this has now grown to 79 schools and a college actively engaged in the programme.
This reflects the pace and strong momentum the programme has developed, with schools rapidly progressing through key stages of energy assessment and improvement planning.
To date, the team has completed over 300 on-site energy audits and surveys, working closely with school leaders, site teams and responsible bodies to understand building needs and identify the most effective energy-saving opportunities. As a direct result of this collaboration, Solar PV has now been successfully installed at 5 schools, with more installations scheduled over the coming weeks.
We would like to express our sincere thanks to all participating schools and the college. Your support, flexibility and engagement have been essential to achieving this progress, it simply would not have been possible without your commitment to improving energy efficiency and reducing carbon emissions.
We are currently preparing individual Output Reports for each school and college, summarising key findings, carbon-saving opportunities and next steps. These will be shared with you once finalised.
Let’s Go Zero has started visiting the schools and the college to engage with staff and students about what behavioural changes we can all make to reduce energy consumption, and support the development of your Climate Action Plans.
Upcoming National Announcement
We wanted to give schools, trusts and responsible bodies a quick heads-up on an upcoming announcement from the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ).
The department is planning to publicly share the full list of schools participating in the programme.
This announcement is expected to be made during the week commencing 17th November 2025.
We will keep you informed as more details are confirmed and will share links and key messages once the announcement goes live. In the meantime, please continue to direct any questions to the programme team.
Schools Generating Their Own Clean Energy
Following the recent installation of solar PV systems, Lime Tree Primary School and Benchill Primary School have together generated an encouraging 4 megawatt-hours (MWh) of renewable electricity across September and October. Both schools are benefitting from periods of time in the school day, operating “off grid” – this means that the solar PV is providing enough electricity to meet the schools’ demand, and there is no draw from the grid, saving money.
To put that into perspective, this amount of energy could power an average primary school for around 10–12 days, helping to significantly reduce reliance on grid electricity and lower carbon emissions.
GBESP - ICT Sustainability Power Hour
27th November | 14:00–15:00 (Online)
Did you know? ICT accounts for around 3% of global greenhouse gas emissions, but this footprint can be reduced by up to 30% through smarter, more responsible consumption strategies.
With over 16.1 million computer users, England’s state-funded education sector represents one of the largest end-user computing communities in the world and has a huge opportunity to lead the change.
Join this one-hour online session to learn how your school or trust can cut ICT energy use, reduce costs, and lower carbon emissions while advancing your sustainability goals.
Hear from sector experts sharing real-world case studies (with energy savings of up to 65%) and explore DfE-endorsed tools and guidance to help embed sustainability into your ICT strategy and procurement processes.
Who should attend: IT leads, sustainability leads, senior leaders, and finance/procurement teams.
Register now to make your ICT smarter, greener, and more cost-effective:
Water Audits - Unlocking Savings & Reducing Waste
As part of the Welcome Pack, each school and trust was asked to sign a Letter of Authority (LOA) to allow our partners at Telex and Blue Marble to access and analyse water consumption and meter data via the national database, CMOS (Central Market Operating System).
For those who have already returned an LOA, the initial desktop Water Audit has now been completed. We began contacting schools and trusts in October to arrange 1:1 feedback meetings to share findings, and these will continue after the half-term break into November.
The audits have already identified significant opportunities for savings, in the region of £20,000. In several cases, unusually high water usage has been detected, potentially due to leaks or faulty equipment. Where this occurs, we’ll work closely with you to investigate, resolve issues, and reduce both consumption and costs.
If your school or trust has not yet returned an LOA, there’s still time to take part. Please contact Helen Pursord (HPurssord@barker-associates.co.uk) or look out for Helen’s reminder emails. By engaging in the audit, you’ll be helping us to save money and protect our valuable water resources.
Manchester Schools Climate Action Grant
Manchester City Council is offering grants of up to £1,000 to support schools and other education settings in delivering their climate change action plans.
The funding aims to support up to 40 education providers during 2025/26, focusing on projects that strengthen one or more of the “4 Cs”: – Campus, Curriculum, Community and Culture.
To apply and/or for more information, contact Ash.farrah@manchester.gov.uk or follow this link:
Education Settings Climate Change Project Funding 2025/26
*Schools have to be registered with Eco Schools to apply.
THE OVO Foundation Nature Prize is back!
Calling all schools! The fantastic OVO Foundation Nature Prize is back for a fourth year! The prize will bring students closer to nature and kickstart climate action. It’s free to enter for all non-independent schools, colleges and nurseries across the UK.
For your chance to win a whopping £500 cash prize, submit your school’s ideas for nature-based projects that fit into one of the following categories:
1) Adaptation and resilience
2) Community
Or 3) Green skills
Ten winning schools will be chosen for each category – so that’s 30 schools walking away with a cash prize for nature. Entries open at 9am on Monday, 13 October, and will close at 11:59pm on Monday, 17 November.
To enter, visit Let’s Go Zero’s competition page.
Good luck!
Thank you for your support in helping us work towards a greener, more energy-conscious future.
We're Just An Email Away
If you have any questions about the project, including the appointments scheduled at your school/college, please don't hesitate to email us.