A strategic partnership between Capita Entrust and the Creative Learning Partnership Trust.
The Creative Learning Partnership Trust, a growing and aspirational Multi-Academy Trust, partnered with Capita Entrust in 2023 to review and optimise energy consumption across its growing network of academies. The goal was to reduce costs, improve efficiency, and empower staff with the tools and knowledge to manage energy use more effectively.
Capita Entrust delivers a comprehensive, end-to-end energy management service, encompassing procurement, account management, and strategic support. This ensures schools benefit from competitive energy rates and accurate billing based on actual usage, aligned with contractual terms. The team also provides enhanced services focused on reducing energy waste, improving data visibility, and supporting budget planning.
The approach
Working closely with the Trust’s Operations Director, we established a shared vision: to deepen understanding of energy usage, link it to building operations, and empower site staff to take ownership of their schools’ energy performance.
Key steps included:
Targeting weekend gas usage
We introduced a weekly alert system to notify individual sites of their weekend energy spend, helping to identify and reduce unnecessary out-of-hours gas consumption.
Enhanced budgeting support
Using comprehensive market and industry data, we developed tailored energy forecasts for each site. Throughout the financial year, we provided ongoing monitoring and reforecasting to ensure alignment with budgets.
On-site engagement and training
Our team visited schools to deliver hands-on training for site supervisors, business managers, and central staff. This included guidance on heating system operations and practical steps to reduce energy waste.
“This collaboration has supported the Trust which includes eight academies to educate and promote a behavioural change with staff and pupils to take ownership of their actions in the future. Providing evidence to understand the impact of wasted energy costs. The results are key to working towards the net zero journey providing a strategic sustainability plan including priorities in the future.”
Outcomes
Our data-driven approach, powered by our Systems Link platform, enabled proactive energy management and tangible results:
Stabilised weekend gas consumption:
Weekend gas usage was stabilised across the entire Trust and in schools with hydrotherapy pools, we implemented scheduled weekend heating shutdowns.
Rapid issue identification and resolution:
At one academy, we detected unusually high usage. Our intervention saved over £1,000 per weekend, preventing significant budget overruns.
Empowered site staff:
By engaging directly with those managing the buildings day-to-day, we ensured long-term sustainability of the improvements made.
Looking ahead
The Trust now has a robust data benchmark to guide future energy strategies. Building on the success of the gas reduction initiative, Capita Entrust will next focus on electricity consumption, starting with identifying and reducing weekend base loads.
This partnership demonstrates the power of collaboration, data, and education in driving meaningful change in energy management across the education sector.
Discover more about how we help empower your organisation to provide energy-efficient places to live and work:
