Turn off the heating for the summer

Sir Jonathan North Girls' College, Thursday, 30 April 2026
30 points 10 pupils Change-maker KS1, KS2, KS3, KS4, KS5

We spoke to Mr Pantling who is the site manager about energy and heating. We spoke about what point you turn off the school radiators. We found out that this is done at Easter (unless it is very cold outside) and that they are turned off together. This is great as it means that radiators in rooms can't be turned on accidentally or put on by staff/students. This will help our carbon footprint and energy bills. We decided that if the weather is warm before Easter it can be turned off sooner in the year. 

Activity description

Many schools leave the heating running well into the summer term which is not normally necessary. Often windows and doors are opened when the heating is left on, wasting more energy.

Suggested actions
  1. Make sure radiator thermostats are turned down or off by the start of May.
  2. Ask your caretaker or estate manager to turn off the heating system to avoid wasting energy heating hot water in long pipe runs to radiators.
  3. Encourage pupils and staff to put on a jumper if they feel a little chilly.
  4. Don't forget electric heaters and storage radiators particularly in outbuildings and temporary classrooms.

All activities