Sustainable practices for schools procuring energy

Over 50+ years, YPO has helped public sector organisations to procure greener and more affordable products and services. We’ve supported schools for over 45 of those years and we manage over 3,500 school accounts. 

And as a not-for-profit, we put all our profits back into improving your experience with us. We have a large choice of energy and service suppliers that we compare for you, helping you to affordably and efficiently deliver the particular services your school needs.

Energy Procurement with YPO

• Trusted by schools
• Compliant contracts
• Dedicated support
• Introductory health check
• Net Zero solutions
• DfE approval

4 energy frameworks for schools

Through these procurement frameworks, we know how to simplify the energy challenges you face, and how critical it is for schools to run smoothly, safely and sustainably. Here are the best practices we’ve learned and refined through each of the energy frameworks you can access.

1. Renewable biomass

A dynamic purchasing system (DPS) for renewable biomass 

We help schools to purchase bulk supply of renewable biomass products – such as woodchip and wood pellets. We make sure they’re compliant and able to choose from competitive suppliers who use sustainable biomass sources that don’t harm ecosystems or contribute to deforestation. There’s funding you can apply for too, helping to make the cost of renewable energy more affordable. 

Our best practices for procuring biomass in schools:

• Find renewable biomass sources like forestry and agricultural residues.
• Minimise your carbon footprint through the entire lifecycle of the biomass. 
• Have a robust maintenance plan with regular inspections, cleaning and repairs.
• Openly communicating will help to alleviate any concerns in the community.
• Look into supplier reputations and make sure the supply chain is transparent.

• Make sure you comply with the regulations and emissions standards.

YPO’s Renewable Biomass and Related Services framework

2. Water resource management

A compliant route to market for procuring water, wastewater and ancillary services

We support schools in reducing their water consumption, making their usage more efficient and their supply more resilient. We cover all aspects of water retail services – from account management, customers service and billing to sewerage, drainage, audits and metering services.

Our best practices for managing water resource in schools:

• 24/7 emergency support and contingency planning provide peace of mind.
• Updating your water metering ensures you’re tracking water usage accurately.
• Leak detection tools reduce wastewater and potential disruption.
• Regular water audits identify areas for improving efficiency.

YPO’s Water, Wastewater and Ancillary Services framework

3. Electricity

Supplying electricity and ancillary services

Through our awarded supplier, Npower, we offer a range of contract types and lengths that offer schools great value. You get dedicated customer support and query management – where we handle performance, billing, credit, complaints, SLAs and KPIs for you – so we’ve learned how to resolve issues and ensure a smooth service.

Our best practices for electricity supply in schools:

• Choosing a green energy and carbon offsetting will help you towards net zero.
• Install Smart Meter devices to ensure you’re accurately tracking usage.
• Use usage data to develop more efficient supply purchasing strategies.
• Buy in advance or risk buying some of the volume within the supply period.
• Make sure you’re fully compliant with Public Contracts Regulation.

YPO’s Electricity and Ancillary Services framework    

Read why optimised solar PV is better than string inverters

4. Gas supply

A framework agreement for the supply of natural mains gas

Through our awarded supplier, Corona Energy, we offer flexibility, support and best practice recommendations. We offer upgrades to Automatic Meter Readers (AMR) to monitor half-hourly usage, while larger or multi-site schools – such academies and secondary schools – can use intelligent software to monitor live usage (AMR DNA).

Our best practices for gas supply in schools:

• Use AMR to monitor half hourly consumption patterns and identify wastage.
• Use AMR DNA to monitor live usage to identify wastage across larger sites.
• Consider fixed or flexible contracting to suit your school’s needs.

YPO’s Supply of Gas framework   

Read more about the kinds of energy contracts on offer – fixed supply contracts or flexible procurement baskets.

Sustainability and renewable energy benefits 

Our Civil Engineering Framework provides access to innovative renewable energy suppliers with proven track records in sustainable materials and low‑carbon construction. Through this framework you can streamline the procurement of contractors who prioritise: 

• Carbon reduction
• Biodiversity enhancement
• Responsible waste management
• Energy‑efficient approaches

The framework also encourages the adoption of greener technologies that comply with environmental legislation – including renewable power sources for site operations, recycled aggregates and low-emissions plants.

YPO Civil Engineering Framework lots 4 and 5

All your energy managed together

You’ll be supported by the same dedicated YPO energy team across all the energy frameworks you access through YPO. They can help you coordinate the exact levels of service you need for your school, with a variety of partial and fixed contracts available across 12, 24, 36 and 48-month durations.  The suppliers you choose will provide account managers who are dedicated to framework users.

- 3,500+ school accounts managed by YPO

- 45+ years of YPO supporting schools

- 1 route to arranging your energy contracts

Are you ready to get a quote?

You can get a quote in three easy steps:

1. Send a Letter of Authority 
2. Dig out a recent gas and electricity bill
3. Fill in our new business form

We’ve put together a guide that explains in more detail and has a template if you need one for your Letter of Authority.

Download our YPO guide to energy procurement for schools.