Waterside Academy LED Case Study

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Waterside Academy LED Case Study – Energy Saving in the Classroom, Energy Advice in the Community

“We’re incredibly proud to have not only reduced Waterside Academy’s carbon footprint and operating costs but also look forward to empowering parents and those connected to the school with the knowledge and tools to manage their energy bills”

– Lawrence Chude, LEDing the Way Projects Manager, Selce

“Selce were very helpful throughout the whole process, making it much easier than anticipated. We can already see a difference in our bills within 6 months of installation and the environment for learning has improved because of the LEDs.”

– Cato Tallis-Lock, Waterside Academy Premises Manager

Launched in 2021, LEDing the Way is Selce’s project to bring energy efficient upgrades to lighting systems in community buildings, at zero-up-front cost.

For this project, Selce worked with Waterside Academy to develop a capital grant application to the Hackney Community Energy Fund (HCEF).

Energy efficient lighting upgrades were also included in Selce’s 2024 community share offer – and Waterside Academy is one of six sites that have been completed with the help of this funding.

Background

Waterside Academy based in Hackney, and part of the Community Schools Trust, like many schools in London, experienced challenges with increasing energy bills since the gas crisis. In addition to its former lighting system not being fit for the future- due to the government phasing out the sale of fluorescent and halogen lighting.

Waterside sought a solution to these issues and concluded that installing LEDs throughout the premises would be a significant step in reducing electricity and lighting maintenance costs. Having contacted Hackney Light and Power (HLP) for help, they were able to set up a collaboration with Selce – just in time for the launch of the second round of the Hackney Community Energy Fund (HCEF.)

Selce – experienced in delivering community-financed LED retrofit projects saw this as a unique opportunity to deliver a “two-for-one service”:

On one hand, the LED retrofit project aims to significantly reduce the school’s electricity consumption and carbon footprint, and on the other; to integrate a dedicated energy advice program for pupil parents, and local members of the community.

This second strand directly tackles fuel poverty, offering:

-Community-based energy cafés

-One-to-one bill support

-Guidance on accessing financial assistance for energy costs

-Installation of simple energy-saving measures, such as LED light bulbs, dehumidifiers, and draughtproofing doors and windows during our home visits.

This advice and measures are designed to reduce energy usage in the home, with the potential to save each household over £100 per year on their energy bills.

The energy advice component of the project is ongoing, ensuring that the benefits of the initiative extend beyond the school and into the wider community.

Funding and Installation

💡Funding process: Waterside Academy was awarded a partial capital grant from HCEF, and Selce’s 2024 community share offer also contributed to secure the remainder of the install costs.

💡Installation timing and duration: Selce made sure that the school did not have to dedicate additional staff time and resources towards this project, managing the install and sorting out issues on behalf of the school. Much of the install took place during the February half term, contractors were flexible with how they worked and ensured there was minimal disruption to the school.

Results

💡 It is estimated that the project will save the school about £8,500 per year in electricity bills.

💡 The work is projected to save 10.6 tonnes of CO2 emissions per year, the same as planting 427 trees.

💡 In addition to the carbon and electricity cost savings, this installation will contribute towards an improved general wellbeing of pupils and staff members. Due to the flicker-free nature of LED lighting, building users will experience less eye strain and migraines that are sometimes attributed to long term exposure to fluorescent lighting.

“Selce were very helpful throughout the whole process, making it much easier than anticipated. We can already see a difference in our bills within 6 months of installation and the environment for learning has improved because of the LEDs.”