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Use Cleaner Use Less
WME is proud to celebrate one year since the launch of our Education Decarbonisation Framework, which remains the UK’s only framework built specifically to provide sector specific decarbonisation consultancy to the education sector.
Since September 2024, schools, academies, and multi-academy trusts (MATs) and colleges across the country have been using the framework to deliver practical projects that support their carbon reduction and net zero goals. These include:
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Heat decarbonisation plans for academies and local authority schools
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Solar PV feasibility studies and installation audits
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Display Energy Certificates (DECs) to track and evidence performance
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Whole-school and trust-wide decarbonisation strategies
A recent example is showcased in our Chester Diocesan Academies Trust case study, demonstrating how the framework is helping MATs plan their pathway to net zero while maintaining focus on educational priorities.
Why schools and trusts are choosing the framework
Feedback from users of the framework to date has been extremely positive. They tell us the framework is:
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Simple to use – designed specifically for busy schools and academies, often without dedicated procurement expertise
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Compliant and risk-free – fully aligned with procurement regulations, offering peace of mind to non-procurement experts
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DfE approved – one of very few frameworks recognised by the Department for Education for decarbonisation in the education sector
This combination gives MATs and schools confidence that they can decarbonise responsibly, without worrying about compliance risks or administrative burden.
Partnership with Barker
Our partnership with Barker has been central to the framework’s success, enabling us to deliver expert advice and technical support for schools and academies. Together, we are helping the sector to “Use Cleaner, Use Less” – supporting energy efficiency, reducing carbon emissions and lowering long-term costs.
On the partnership, Matt Isherwood, Associate Partner at Barker commented, “One year into the launch of WME’s Decarbonisation Framework, we are proud of the tangible impact we’ve made in helping education organisations their carbon footprint and create sustainable learning environments. This collaboration has demonstrated the power of shared vision and expertise in driving meaningful change. As we look ahead, Barker remains committed to delivering innovative, sustainable solutions that support the sector’s journey toward a low-carbon future.”
Gavin Owen, Head of Business Development at WME added, “We are delighted with the success of our partnership with Barker to date, which has allowed us to enhance the support available to our customers through our Education Decarbonisation Framework. Together, we are helping schools and academies to ‘Use Cleaner and Use Less’ energy, making meaningful progress on their decarbonisation journey while inspiring future generations."
Looking ahead
The first year of our Education Decarbonisation Framework has proven its value to schools, academies and trusts across the UK who have reduced carbon, energy consumption and energy spend.
As the sector continues to embrace decarbonisation, we will continue to support through our compliant, DfE-approved route that makes decarbonisation simple, practical, and effective.
