Running a college or university is about putting education first, whilst trying to balance budgets, sustainability, and smart choices. With energy bills eating up a huge chunk of operational costs, institutions of higher learning are perfectly positioned to save serious money through smarter energy procurement and efficient energy management.
Whether you’re part of the finance team, a sustainability committee, or senior leadership, this guide is your roadmap to trimming energy costs while boosting performance across these buildings.
Buying smarter, spending less
Energy procurement isn’t just a behind-the-scenes chore—it’s a strategic opportunity. Here’s how colleges and universities can make the most of it:
Understand your energy profile
Before you even think about switching suppliers or renegotiating contracts, you need to know how your institution uses energy. That means diving into the data:
- When are your peak demand times? (Think: winter heating, summer cooling, exam weeks.)
- Which buildings or departments are energy hogs? Labs and sports facilities often top the list.
- Are your usage patterns consistent or erratic?
Tools like smart meters and submetering can help you get granular insights, giving you the power to make data-driven decisions.
Choose the right contract type
Energy markets can be very volatile, meaning they go up and down a lot. The type of contract you choose can protect your budget or expose you to volatility:
- Fixed-rate contracts lock in a single price for the contract term. They’re great for budgeting but may miss out on lower rates when the market drops.
- Flexible or index-based contracts let you purchase energy in blocks, often securing lower prices over time—but they require market monitoring and risk tolerance.
- Blend-and-extend strategies allow you to adjust contracts mid-term if market conditions change, offering a nice balance of flexibility and security.
Pro tip: Work with an energy consultant or broker who understands higher education and can guide you to the best fit.
Time your purchases strategically
Timing really is everything. Energy prices spike during extreme weather, geopolitical events, and supply crunches. By monitoring the market—or partnering with someone who does—you can make your move when rates are low and avoid buying at peak pricing periods.
Go green with renewables
If your school has climate commitments or net-zero goals, renewable procurement is a win-win:
- Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) allow you to buy electricity directly from renewable projects at long-term, stable rates.
- Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs) help you offset emissions while supporting clean energy generation.
On-campus solar, wind, or geothermal systems can provide real-time savings and valuable educational opportunities for students.
Energy management: efficiency that pays for itself
Great procurement sets the stage—but day-to-day energy management is where long-term savings really shine.
Start with an energy audit
Think of an energy audit as a check-up for your campus. A comprehensive audit will assess how and where energy is being used—and wasted. Areas to focus on:
- Inefficient HVAC systems
- Poor insulation or outdated windows
- Lighting systems still relying on old tech
- Constantly running equipment (like vending machines or lab gear)
These audits often pay for themselves by identifying quick wins and long-term upgrade paths.
Invest in energy-efficient tech
Small changes add up quickly when applied campus-wide:
- LED lighting is a no-brainer—it's 75% more efficient than incandescent lighting and lasts significantly longer.
- Smart controls and occupancy sensors can slash lighting and HVAC costs in underused spaces.
- Modern boilers, chillers, and motors with variable frequency drives (VFDs) adapt to demand, cutting energy waste and maintenance costs.
Look for Energy Star–rated equipment and take advantage of utility rebates to reduce upfront costs.
Install a building management system (BMS)
A modern Building Management System (BMS) is like the brain of your campus. It gives you:
- Real-time insights into heating, cooling, and ventilation performance
- The ability to adjust settings remotely or automatically
- Alerts for system failures or inefficiencies
This tech empowers facilities teams to fine-tune operations and respond faster when something’s off.
Set KPIs and track progress
Energy management isn’t “set it and forget it.” Make it a culture:
- Define measurable goals like reducing energy use per square foot by 15% over five years.
- Create dashboards to track progress and share results.
- Publish annual sustainability or energy reports to keep stakeholders engaged and accountable.
- Celebrate wins—whether it's a newly efficient building or a month of reduced peak usage.
Get the whole campus involved
Behavioural change can drive massive results with little investment:
- Run residence hall energy challenges to engage students.
- Encourage staff to power down electronics and lights.
- Integrate energy literacy into curricula—engineering and environmental science students can even participate in monitoring projects.
When energy becomes part of campus culture, everyone becomes part of the solution.
Financing and incentives: making it affordable
Energy upgrades aren’t cheap—but they’re one of the best investments a school can make. And you don’t have to foot the bill alone.
Tap into incentives and rebates
Utility companies, programs, and government initiatives often offer:
- Rebates for LED upgrades or HVAC retrofits
- Grants for solar or EV charging projects
- Free energy audits or technical support
Don’t leave this money on the table—track what’s available in your area and apply early.
Think lifecycle, not just price tags
When budgeting for campus improvements, consider the total cost of ownership:
- How much will it cost to operate and maintain that new system over 10 years?
- How much energy will it save annually?
- Will it reduce emissions or increase resiliency?
Shifting from “lowest bid” to “highest value” leads to better decisions and stronger ROI in the long run.
If you're looking to save money on your energy bills then why not get in touch today? The relationships Resolve Energy has developed with over 24 of the UK’s biggest business energy suppliers allows our energy experts to source the best business energy rates available for your company right when you need them. Request a free quote today and start saving money on your energy.
