Could you give up paper to save energy?

Sawtry Community College has done just that by focusing on technology to provide some cost-cutting solutions and hopes to save up to 20% of its whole school budget over the next year.



The Huntingdon School is planning to replace its desktop computers with thin client PCs as existing hardware wears out. These operate simply as interfaces allowing them to function without hard drives with all the processing done by servers. As a result they use less energy and consequently emit less heat, which, in a room of 30 machines, has the knock-on effect of diminishing air-conditioning costs.


In an effort to make a big difference quickly, one department has completely disposed with the use of paper. The science department has taken to scanning things directly into a virtual learning environment. Associate principal Alan Stevens says that "It has saved £1,000 a quarter on paper, laser cartridges and general running costs, and is environmentally friendly."


Less paper and energy used means money saved. The dovetailing of sustainability and efficiency is exactly what children's secretary Ed Balls called for at the end of 2009 when he urged schools in England to make £2bn worth of savings in part by thinking green.


School leaders have been skeptical but, according to the Carbon Trust, a government-funded, not-for-profit company, ICT is one area where UK schools could definitely cut costs.


Alongside more switching off and powering down, better use of ICT applications, such as videoconferencing, offer a much greener way forward.
To speak to an advisor about ICT Health Checks, “Green Audit’s”, or donating to a School of your choice through Adodo Community and cheaper bills call 0800 092 1471