BRE energy experts provide free advice via a helpline and there are on-line discussion forums where schools can learn from others' successes and share ideas about incorporating sustainability into school activities.
The key energy saving areas in schools are generally utility management, improving the building fabric and updating environmental systems such as lighting and heating. To help schools make these improvements now, the DfES has announced an early advance of capital investment (see www.dfes.gov.uk).
Grants for renewable energy technologies such as wind turbines and biomass boilers, are also available under the DTI's Low Carbon Building programme and schools can use the energy management approach used in the Sustainable Learning website to support their application.
Local authorities will also find the website useful as it allows them to identify which schools need help and prioritise their support activities accordingly.
At present the Sustainable Learning is only available to schools and local authorities in England, though it is hoped to extend the service to Northern Ireland, Wales and Scotland in the coming months.