How to keep your school cool in Summer
Spells of extreme heat are unfortunately becoming more and more common in the UK, with schools across the country being forced to close during the worst spells.
High temperatures can of course pose serious threats to health, especially in children, but also affect learning capability and the ability to retain information. Research indicates that as temperatures rise by just 7°C, cognitive performance can decrease by up to 10%, so extreme heat shouldn’t be a ‘grin and bear it’ event.
Did you know?
Schools typically waste 20%-30% of their total energy consumption, and an average primary school can emit 1,000 tonnes of CO2e every year.
Our simple measures can help your school to cut costs, become more sustainable and educate staff and students on how to save energy both in-school and at home.
Unfortunately, installing air cooling technologies to address extreme heat in schools is usually costly, particularly in naturally ventilated buildings, so we’ve put together some lower-cost options to help.
1. Display indoor and outdoor temperature
Digital or other thermometers can help school users visualise heat, and understand the effects of it in different areas of the school. You might find that certain areas naturally Ensure these are located out of direct sun or other sources of heat for accurate readings.
2. Close blinds and curtains
Heat gain from direct sun through windows (and doors) can be managed with solar reduction treatment on older glass (e.g. installed before 2006), however closing curtains or blinds will help prolong indoor comfort. Ideally close curtains and blinds the previous evening before a particularly hot and sunny day. You can purchase solar reduction window film here 👇
3. Consider exterior shading
South, east, and west facing windows can be shaded externally, reducing overheating. While curtains or blinds can reduce this, external shading provides more reduction, preventing heat from getting inside. Shading includes canopies, external shutters, sail shades, or ‘bris soleil’, which are shades affixed to the building exterior. Consider the benefits of these solutions before resorting to air cooling systems. Examples are here:
- https://www.nationwideltd.co.uk/sun-canopies/
- https://tradewarehouse.co.uk/collections/electric-awnings/products/3m-x-2m-grey-white-electric-awning-canopy
- https://www.shade-sails.co.uk/gallery/
- https://zephyrsailshades.co.uk
- https://www.solinear.co.uk/what-is-brise-soleil-how-does-it-work/
- https://www.brisesoleiluk.co.uk/
4. Close windows and door and use fans
Many schools open windows and doors to feel a breeze. During outdoor temperatures of 25°C or more, if indoors is much cooler, instead use portable fans whilst closing windows and doors. This will provide air movement without overheating. If your main hall has ceiling fans that reverse in summer to draw heat upwards, use these too.
5. Purge indoor heat
Prolonged hot weather can lead to a build-up of indoor heat. Insulation can trap heat inside for longer. Overnight or early in the morning, when outdoor temperatures are cooler (e.g. 17°C), open windows, doors, rooflights, and even loft hatches to let hot air escape; be sure to close these again.
6. Managing portable air conditioning
If there are portable air cooling units on site use them sparingly (they are rated 1 to 2kW each). Consider how the exhausted hot air will be separated without overheating the school. Ensure these are used as a last resort after other above steps are taken.
Your local experts
ESOx is a service provided by Low Carbon Hub in partnership with the Environmental Information Exchange at Oxford Brookes University.
Our team is made up of energy experts with decades of experience working with Oxfordshire’s businesses to deliver tailored energy improvements.
Whether it’s assessing your energy use, supporting access to finance, or recommending low-carbon technology, our mission is to support you on your journey to reduce energy bills and cut carbon emissions.
