ACES helps you reduce energy bills, cut carbon emissions and improve comfort in your school. The service is free or subsidised for maintained schools.
We fund ACES to help schools act on climate change and build resilience to future risks.
What ACES helps you do
ACES goes beyond basic energy advice. We support you to:
- develop and deliver a climate action plan
- manage and monitor energy use
- find funding and deliver projects
- involve staff and students in sustainability
- prepare for climate risks such as heat and flooding
The service aligns with the Department for Education (DfE) sustainability and climate change strategy and supports national programmes such as Let’s Go Zero.
What we offer
Energy and carbon support
- energy assessments
- carbon and energy savings reports
- ongoing energy management support
- energy data analysis and monitoring
Funding and projects
- hands-on help with the energy efficiency loan scheme
- advice on low carbon technologies
- support with retrofit measures
Ongoing advice
- a sustainability help desk for day-to-day questions
- climate adaptation assessments
Even small changes, such as better heating controls or pipe insulation, can lead to real savings and lower carbon emissions.
Why energy efficiency matters in schools
School buildings use a lot of energy. This adds to running costs and carbon emissions.
In Oxfordshire, maintained schools make up a large part of our total emissions. Cutting energy use in schools is vital to meeting local and national net zero goals.
Improving energy efficiency helps you to:
- lower energy bills and free up money for learning
- improve comfort and air quality
- give students real learning experiences
- protect buildings from rising energy costs
We know energy projects can feel complex. ACES makes the process clearer and easier, with trusted and impartial advice.
Why take part in ACES
Schools are at the heart of their communities. By taking part, you can lead by example.
Working with ACES helps you to:
- reduce energy bills and carbon emissions
- improve comfort for staff and students
- build confidence to take action
- access expert support and funding
By cutting carbon through energy efficiency, you can also:
- spend more on teaching and learning
- help students learn about energy and climate change
Who delivers ACES
Action on Carbon and Energy in Schools (ACES) is delivered by Chamberlains Aqua and Energy Systems Ltd (CAESL).
CAESL is a specialist consultancy in energy, sustainability and net zero planning. They work with us to provide trusted and impartial support to schools.
The team has expertise in:
- energy systems and data analysis
- low carbon technologies
- climate adaptation
Through ACES, CAESL supports you from first assessment through to delivery and long-term impact. This helps your school take practical and achievable steps towards a more sustainable future.