The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, has unveiled the new Greener Schools pilot programme, an initiative aimed at reducing energy costs and carbon emissions in schools across the capital.
This groundbreaking programme could help participating schools save up to £18,000 annually on energy bills, redirecting vital funds towards enhancing children's education.
As part of the Mayor’s broader climate and cost-of-living strategy, this initiative seeks to make schools more energy-efficient and resilient to the impacts of climate change. London boroughs are being invited to apply for a share of £2 million in funding, which can be invested in energy-saving solutions such as insulation, solar panels, and heat pumps. The funding will also support climate engagement activities to raise awareness and inspire action within school communities.
Recent studies indicate that energy efficiency measures can significantly reduce school energy costs. If applied across all London schools, such interventions could collectively save more than £50 million annually, easing financial pressures on the education sector while contributing to the city’s sustainability goals.
The Greener Schools pilot is part of a scalable plan that could be expanded nationally, benefiting schools and children across the UK. It complements existing Mayoral climate initiatives, including the Climate Kick-Start Prize, Climate Resilient Schools, and the Future Neighbourhoods 2030 programme.
This initiative also aligns with Sadiq Khan's climate action plan, which includes ambitious goals such as achieving a 100% zero-emission bus fleet, creating over 40,000 new public bike parking spaces, and doubling the number of electric vehicle charging points to 40,000 by 2030. Together, these programmes aim to create a cleaner, greener, and more sustainable future for London.
By focusing on practical energy-saving solutions, the Greener Schools pilot underscores the Mayor’s commitment to tackling the climate crisis while addressing the cost-of-living challenges facing families and schools in the capital.
Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, said: “I am delighted to be launching our new Greener Schools initiative, which will help schools reduce their carbon emissions and bring down energy costs.
“It could be a real game changer, allowing schools to spend more on vital resources such as books, new technology and more staff such as teaching assistants.
“I want to encourage all boroughs to apply for the scheme, which could not only reduce schools’ energy bills but also empower the next generation of climate change leaders in our communities.”
“I am determined to do everything I can to make sure the capital achieves net zero and ensure a just transition for all Londoners, as we build a greener and fairer city for everyone.”
Deputy Mayor for Environment and Energy Mete Coban, said: “This brilliant new scheme from the Mayor will ease stretched education budgets and shows how reaching net zero is an opportunity to save money and rebuild our school networks.
“I’m excited to partner with boroughs as we work together to ensure the next generation of Londoners will see their schools benefit and open up opportunities.”
Dr Afsheen Kabir Rashid (Hon) MBE Chief Executive Officer, Repowering London, said: “We welcome the Mayor’s ambition for the Greener Schools programme and the opportunity to collaborate with London Boroughs to support schools to decarbonise and reduce their energy costs.
“Community energy organisations like Repowering London play an important role in involving local people in the development process from design to implementation. This includes ensuring that the voice of young people, our future climate leaders, is heard. Our model of shared, local energy ownership keeps benefits in the community bringing reduced bills, green jobs, training and community funds.”
Alex Green, Head of Let’s Go Zero, Ashden Climate Solutions said: “It’s tremendously pleasing to see the Mayor of London’s first steps in the Greener Schools Programme kicking off with this exciting new pilot, offering a much needed £2 million of funding for school retrofits. We look forward to sharing this programme with our Let’s Go Zero schools in London.
“Not only will this programme help schools reduce their carbon emissions, but it will save money on their energy bills which can be directed at teaching. And because schools are at the heart of our communities it will help engage local people on the choices they can make to lead greener lives.
“This pilot will bring new insights on the best ways to retrofit and decarbonise schools - enabling the future scale up needed for all schools to be zero carbon - and we look forward to seeing it grow in the future.”
Syed Ahmed, Chair of Community Energy London, said: "London's community energy sector has been actively working with schools supporting the installation of renewable and energy efficiency measures to help reduce their energy bills and provide opportunities for kids and communities to better understand the benefits these technologies can bring.
“The Mayor's new Greener Schools initiative will not only boost greater collaboration between community energy groups and schools, but also create new local job, training and investment opportunities in the clean energy sector."
Headteacher said: “The Mayor’s Greener Schools initiative is vital for all schools and provides the blueprint that will lead to less spending on energy bills, and more investment in children’s education.
“At our school, we feel that it reinforces to pupils the importance of sustainability, as we work to inspire the next generation of climate change leaders.” Photo by U.S. Embassy London, Wikimedia commons.