Four schools in the London Borough of Hounslow are set to reduce their annual energy bills by a combined £100,000 following more than £10 million in energy infrastructure upgrades completed over the summer holidays. The programme, which includes solar panels, energy-efficient LED lighting and electrical infrastructure works, is expected to cut energy consumption by 400,000 kWh each year — the equivalent of the annual electricity use of 160 average UK households.
Schools Benefiting from the Upgrade Programme
The schools involved are Feltham Hill Infant and Nursery School, Cardinal Road Primary School, Southville Primary School and Beavers Primary School. Contractor Axis carried out the works during school holidays and half-term breaks to minimise disruption to pupils and staff. Each school is projected to save approximately £25,000 annually on energy costs.
Funding for the programme came from grants awarded by the Greater London Authority and the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero. Hounslow Council also contributed funding specifically for the LED lighting upgrades. At least £10.5 million has been spent so far on the borough's decarbonisation programme, with around 40 schools already benefiting from measures such as Air Source Heat Pumps, Solar PV, battery storage and other decarbonisation technologies.
Environmental and Educational Impact
The upgrades will prevent 84 tonnes of carbon emissions every year across the four schools. Councillor Salman Shaheen, Cabinet Member for Environment, Transport and Public Realm at Hounslow Council, said: “We’ve had a summer of record-breaking heatwaves, a stark reminder of how important it is for us to do our bit to prevent global heating, while the war in Iran is once again spiking energy prices, which are hitting our schools along with everyone else.”
Shaheen added: “Every extra penny schools spend on energy is a penny they cannot spend on educating our children. The savings generated by these improvements can be reinvested into education, while the renewable energy systems help protect schools from rising energy prices in the future. Just as importantly, pupils can see climate action happening in their own school communities, helping us inspire the next generation to play their part in building a greener borough.”
Axis's Commitment to Pupils and Future Sustainability
Axis has also committed to providing educational presentations to pupils at the awarded schools, covering topics such as renewable energy, sustainability and carbon reduction. The company will donate £1,000 to each school to support environmental initiatives, alongside educational resources and activities chosen by the schools themselves. Axis says this will help to “create a lasting legacy beyond the physical improvements.”
Robbie McKinnon, Decarbonisation and Energy Performance Contracting Manager at Axis CLC, said: “This programme demonstrates how carefully planned decarbonisation projects can deliver immediate environmental benefits while supporting the long-term operational needs of schools. By combining Solar PV, energy-efficient LED lighting and targeted roof improvements, we’ve helped the London Borough of Hounslow reduce energy consumption and bills, lower carbon emissions and create more sustainable learning environments, all while delivering the works safely within live school settings.”
Hounslow Council has stated that its long-term ambition is for all schools in the borough to be fully decarbonised. The current programme represents a significant step towards that goal, with further investments expected to continue in the coming years.
