Streamlined Energy and Carbon
Reporting (SECR) for Academy
Schools and Trusts

As the energy landscape in the UK evolves, so too does the commitment to reducing carbon emissions across all sectors, including education. The Streamlined Energy and Carbon Reporting (SECR) framework, introduced by the UK government in April 2019, is designed to drive accountability and transparency in reporting energy use and associated carbon emissions. For academy schools and multi-academy trusts, this framework provides an important opportunity to support the UK's climate goals while actively promoting sustainability within their communities.

WME is proud to offer tailored SECR reporting solutions for academies. This year alone, WME is delivering SECR reports for over 400 academy schools, ensuring they remain compliant with government requirements and well-positioned in their efforts to manage energy use more effectively.

What Is SECR?

The SECR framework is part of a government-led initiative to simplify energy and carbon reporting across UK-based organisations. Originally aimed at large companies, SECR now includes a range of entities, including Academy trusts. Under SECR, organisations are required to disclose their energy consumption, greenhouse gas emissions, and any actions taken to reduce carbon output.

For Academies, SECR reporting goes beyond mere compliance; it aligns with the broader educational responsibility to promote sustainability and environmental stewardship. By tracking and reporting energy and carbon data, schools and trusts can better understand their energy use, identify opportunities for efficiency improvements, and lead by example in reducing their carbon footprint.

SECR Requirements: An Overview

Whilst SECR requirements can seem complex, the reporting focuses on four core areas:

1. Energy Consumption: This includes reporting on all energy use within the organisation, such as electricity, gas, and transport.
2. Greenhouse Gas Emissions: SECR reporting requires organisations to calculate and report their greenhouse gas emissions associated with energy use.
3. Emissions Intensity Ratio: An expression of the organisation’s emissions based on a quantifiable variable.  WME recommends using Tonnes of CO2e per pupil.
4. Energy Efficiency Actions: Schools must disclose any measures taken to improve energy efficiency, whether through policy changes, behavioural change programmes, or upgrades to facilities and equipment.

WME’s SECR reports for single academies and Multi Academy Trusts are crafted to meet all these requirements, whilst simplifying the process for busy administrative and facilities teams.  Our reports not only ensure compliance but also provide valuable insights to support energy efficiency improvements.

How WME Can Help

With SECR reporting deadlines fast approaching, WME is here to make compliance straightforward for academies.  Our team of experts manage every aspect of SECR reporting, from data collection to detailed analysis, allowing schools to focus on their core educational mission whilst fulfilling their reporting obligations with ease and confidence.

For more support on reducing your carbon emissions, schools and academies can turn to WME’s DfE-approved “Education Decarbonisation” Framework, the first and only framework in the UK tailored specifically to the education sector.