AQW 42668/22-27
Ms Cara Hunter
Social Democratic and Labour Party
East Londonderry
Tabled Date: 18/03/2026
Answered On Date: 30/03/2026
Priority Written: No
Question:
To ask the Minister of Education to detail (i) how his Department is working with the Department for Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs to improve sustainability across the school estate; (ii) any guidance, standards or frameworks provided to schools in relation to (a) energy efficiency measures; (b) renewable energy installations; (c) broader climate action; and (iii) any funding and timelines allocated to support these measures.
Answer:
Despite the Department’s direct impact on Carbon reduction being modest (Estate, Transport & Waste), we are active members of the DAERA programme management structures with representation on both the Strategic Oversight Group and the Evidence and Analysis working groups chaired by DAERA. DE has provided input into the Northern Ireland Climate Change Adaption Programme and, officials are part of the Public Building Decarbonisation Working Group lead by the Department of Economy. Guidance to schools in relation to energy efficient measures, renewable energy installations and broader climate action it reflected through a range of the guidance published on the Education Authority and its website including - (a) Energy efficiency measures. The EA website provides Energy Efficiency Guidance for Schools and includes: Key drivers for the review of energy consumption Energy reduction opportunities in schools, including guidance on completing energy audits, managing heat, IT equipment, lighting and out of school working hours Utility supply or billing query Display Energy Certificates Renewable Obligation Scheme payments for schools with solar PV installed Useful links providing teaching and learning resources on energy, waste and water savings (b) Renewable energy installations. Links offering resources and support for schools on renewable energy, including education programs, workshops and information on solar, wind and hydro energy. (c) Broader climate action. Schools are provided with provided with useful links offering a range of resources, case studies, and guidance to schools on environmental topics, including energy conservation, renewable energy, water conservation, wastewater management, waste reduction, recycling, sustainability initiatives in schools, biodiversity conservation, wildlife habitats, and nature reserves in Northern Ireland. Since 2023-24 the Department has allocated over £6.5 million to sustainability projects across the school estate as set out in the table below. Financial Year | Amount £’000 | Energy saving measures | 2023-24 | 198 | Solar panels | 2024-25 | 3,373 | Hybrid heating, insulation glazing, solar panels and heating controls | 2025-26 | 3,094 | Solar panel installation, automatic meter reading and LED Lighting |
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