A three-year collaboration between energy company Drax, the charity Energy Sparks, and schools across the UK has secured the 'Best Response to the Cost of Living Crisis' accolade at the Third Sector Business Charity Awards. The award recognises a joint initiative that has successfully supported schools to lower their energy expenses, decrease carbon emissions, and enhance climate education for thousands of pupils.

The award highlights the tangible impact of projects financed via the Drax Foundation, which helps schools situated within underserved communities boost their energy efficiency using a mix of energy-saving technologies, educational resources, and behaviour-change initiatives.

Drax has partnered since 2023 with Energy Sparks, an organisation that guides schools toward reduced energy consumption through data-led energy analysis tools and targeted education schemes. Funding provided during this year alone allowed 150 schools to access Energy Sparks' energy management resources, tools, and educational programmes completely free of charge, reaching up to 50,000 children. The schools involved are projected to achieve over £1 million in energy bill savings and a 1,500-tonne reduction in CO2 emissions during the 2025/26 academic year.

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Shona King, Head of Social Impact at Drax said: "We're incredibly proud that our partnership with Energy Sparks and schools across the UK has been recognised through the Third Sector Business Charity Awards.

"This collaboration is helping schools reduce costs at a time when budgets continue to face pressure, while also supporting pupils to develop a greater understanding of sustainability, energy efficiency and green skills. By combining practical energy-saving measures with education, we're helping schools create lasting benefits for both their communities and the environment."

Dr Claudia Towner, CEO and Programme Director at Energy Sparks, said: "The ongoing funding from the Drax Foundation will allow participating schools to embed energy saving behaviours across their school communities and provide more opportunities for children and young people to develop green skills."

In tandem with this initiative, Drax has wrapped up a three-year programme dedicated to installing solar panels and energy-efficient LED lighting across 54 schools located near Drax operational sites across Scotland and England.

From 2023 to 2025, the participating schools trimmed their collective energy expenditure by approximately £1 million, while simultaneously lowering carbon emissions by 1,684 tonnes of CO2e. On average, the establishments involved in this specific installation scheme achieved a 64% annual drop in electricity bills alongside a 62% decrease in CO2 emissions.

Bernadette McMillan, Head Teacher at Taynuilt Primary School, said: "The new LED lighting and solar panels will help us to save money on our energy bills, which is critical when the cost of fuel is so high. It's also a great opportunity to engage the children about practical measures to address energy efficiency and climate change."