Alex Green, Head of Ashden’s Let’s Go Zero school’s campaign
The UK’s public spaces – from schools and hospitals to libraries and leisure centres – sit at the heart of our communities. They provide essential services, shape local identity, and serve as hubs of learning and wellbeing. Yet, across the country, these spaces face mounting financial and environmental pressures due to rising energy costs and the urgent need to decarbonise.
That’s why the government’s recent announcement of an £80 million investment in rooftop solar panels for 200 schools, alongside £100 million for NHS sites and enhanced support for community energy projects, is a significant step in the right direction. Through Ashden’s Let’s Go Zero campaign, which supports over 5,600 schools on their journey to becoming zero carbon, we’ve seen firsthand the benefits of clean energy initiatives. The reality is simple: solar on schools works. It cuts energy bills, empowers students, and strengthens the resilience of our public services. But we need to scale up and embed long-term policy support to truly unlock the full potential of sustainable energy solutions in schools and beyond.
Schools at the Forefront of Clean Energy Solutions
Schools are uniquely positioned to lead the transition to sustainable energy. They have large, often underutilised roof spaces ideal for solar installations and are embedded in their communities, making them natural partners for local energy initiatives. When schools generate their own energy, they not only reduce their bills but also reinvest those savings into frontline education, tackling the ongoing funding crisis in education.
We’ve already seen local success stories demonstrating the power of community-led solutions. The Leicestershire Solar Schools project, in partnership with Green Fox Community Energy and Leicestershire County Council, is installing free community-funded solar panels on schools, helping them slash electricity costs and reduce their carbon footprint. Similarly, Bath & West Community Energy has installed solar panels on numerous schools, ensuring they benefit from long-term energy savings while contributing to regional decarbonisation efforts.
These examples show what’s possible when schools receive the right support and funding. But too many schools are left relying on their own fundraising or navigating complex financial mechanisms to make sustainable energy projects happen. That’s why greater government backing – through stable, long-term investment and clear policy frameworks – is essential to making this the norm, not the exception.
The Role of Community Energy in Public Spaces
The renewed government support for community energy is another positive development. Community energy projects, where local people own and benefit from renewable energy schemes, create local wealth, build resilience to energy price fluctuations, and fund social initiatives. Low Carbon Hub in Oxfordshire, Repowering London, and Energise Barnsley are just a few examples of organisations successfully tackling fuel poverty and reinvesting energy revenues into their communities.
These initiatives have a vital role to play in schools. Community energy organisations often collaborate with schools, providing not just renewable energy but also education and engagement opportunities that inspire young people to take action on climate change. If we want to create a generation that understands and values sustainability, there’s no better way than making schools living examples of the clean energy transition.
Moving Beyond Start-Stop Policy to Lasting Change
While these recent funding commitments are welcome, they must mark the beginning of a sustained commitment to local and community energy. The UK government’s Local Power Plan aims to deliver 8GW of community and local power – a hugely ambitious and necessary target. But for that to happen, we need long-term certainty. The cycle of start-stop policies in energy investment undermines confidence and slows progress. Instead, we need stable, long-term funding mechanisms that prioritise low-income communities, alongside regulatory reforms that make it easier for schools and public spaces to engage in renewable energy projects.
Public support for this transition is clear. A recent survey found that 82% of people agree that communities should own and benefit from local energy. If we align government policy with this public enthusiasm, we can unlock a once-in-a-generation opportunity to transform our public spaces into clean energy leaders.
Embedding Behaviour Change Alongside Renewable Investment
Finally, it’s important to recognise that infrastructure alone is not enough. Embedding behaviour change within schools and public buildings is key to maximising energy savings and ensuring long-term sustainability. At Let’s Go Zero, we’ve seen how engaging students and staff in energy-saving habits – from monitoring electricity usage to running eco-clubs – creates a culture of sustainability that extends beyond the classroom.
When public spaces lead by example, they influence wider community action. Schools that adopt solar power and energy-saving measures not only cut their own emissions but also inspire families and local businesses to follow suit. This ripple effect is crucial for reaching the UK’s net zero goals.
A Call for Urgent Action
We cannot afford to delay action on sustainable energy in schools and public spaces. Rising energy costs continue to squeeze budgets, and the climate crisis demands immediate action. The government’s recent commitments are a strong starting point, but they must be followed by long-term policies that provide schools, local authorities, and communities with the resources and support they need.
By investing in clean energy for public spaces, we not only reduce emissions but also create resilient, future-ready schools and communities. Let’s seize this opportunity to empower schools, unlock community energy’s potential, and ensure that public spaces remain beacons of sustainability for generations to come.
To find out how your school can cut bills, reduce its carbon impact and access free support and funding to go net zero, visit. Letsgozero.org
This article appeared in the April 2025 issue of Energy Manager magazine. Subscribe here.