If you’re trying to sell energy solutions to educational institutions, you need to expand the discussion to include non-utility-cost financial and non-financial benefits in addition to the more obvious utility savings.
For example, what’s the value of a “butt in a seat” in the school district where you’re proposing upgrades? Many school districts in the U.S. determine the level of state school subsidies using a formula that considers the average daily attendance of the preceding school year. Improving the attendance rate by even a small percentage could have a major impact on the funding a school receives. The good news is that studies have shown that if you make a school more comfortable with better thermal comfort, indoor air quality, lighting, access to daylight, and so forth, you’ll likely see a positive impact on attendance – and that’s among not only students but also teachers.
Remember to consider all of the non-utility-cost financial and non-financial benefits in addition to the energy savings. Having more learners in the room equates to higher standardized test scores and potentially higher subsidies depending on the formula used. A more pleasant working environment supports teacher attraction and retention. When a healthier environment improves teacher attendance, the school spends less money on substitute teachers and learners enjoy more consistency in instruction.
