Participating in events

In addition to our annual scoreboard competition, Energy Sparks occasionally runs special events or mini-competitions to encourage school participation. Energy Sparks will also sometimes take part in wider sustainability events with partner organisations.

We usually organise at least one Layer Up, Power Down day per year as well as a Winter Heat Saver competition.

All events are publicised in our regular Energy Sparks newsletters - sign up here. 

Energy Sparks’ Layer Up, Power Down days are designed to encourage schools to turn their heating off (or down) on one day - ideally a Friday or Monday plus the closest weekend. 

This helps raise awareness about how much energy schools are wasting by keeping their heating on or too high when schools are closed - especially at the weekends and over holidays.

Our Layer Up, Power Down day activity guide comes with everything a school needs to get started. We have guidance for facilities teams, article templates to go in school newsletters, posters to put up around the school and even a video to watch during assembly. 

Schools can choose to switch the heating off completely, switch it off earlier in the day or just turn the temperature down. If people are concerned about the school getting too cold, or about pupil wellbeing, we have answered some FAQs to help inform any decisions being made.