At the Renewable Energy Coalition for Academia (RECFA), we help schools, colleges, and universities lower energy costs, cut carbon emissions, and speed up their journey to Net Zero. By offering fully funded renewable energy to energy efficiency services through trusted partnerships, we make it possible for institutions to decarbonise without upfront costs. This helps protect your budget from rising energy prices while supporting the UK’s climate targets.

Powering Academia Holistically Towards Net Zero

Quick Impact at a Glance

  • Only 20% of UK schools have solar panels, leaving a huge opportunity for cost savings and carbon reduction.

  • RECFA aims to add 12MW of new solar capacity each year, cutting emissions while delivering financial benefits to schools and colleges.

  • Institutions can save up to 25–30% on energy bills while reducing their carbon footprint.

About RECFA

RECFA offers a clear, cost-effective path to Net Zero that aligns with the Department for Education’s Climate Action Plan, removing the usual barriers to decarbonisation. Through fully funded Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs), asset finance, and community energy models, schools and colleges can adopt renewable energy and energy-saving technologies without financial risk, ensuring compliance while reducing energy costs.

You’ll also gain access to the Education Energy Network, allowing local energy trading and strengthening your role as a leader in community sustainability. With RECFA, your institution won’t just lower emissions; you will set a practical, visible example for your students and your community, weaving climate action into your school’s culture and curriculum.

  • At RECFA, our mission is to help the education sector move faster towards Net Zero by working together and sharing resources. We put the unique needs of each school, college, or university at the heart of every project, delivering fully funded, tailored renewable energy and efficiency solutions that align with your goals and day-to-day realities.

    We believe every educational institution should have the tools and confidence to meet—and even exceed—climate targets without affecting the delivery of education. Through our coalition approach, we make the transition to Net Zero practical, cost-effective, and focused on community impact, empowering schools and colleges to lead by example in tackling climate change.

  • RECFA connects schools, colleges, and universities with expert technology providers, sustainability consultants, and finance specialists to deliver a complete, end-to-end decarbonisation service. From the first feasibility assessment and stakeholder discussions to project delivery and ongoing optimisation, we’re with you every step of the way.

    Our relationship-led consultancy model means your institution benefits from a project structure that’s designed specifically for you, giving you access to renewable energy and energy-saving technologies without the hurdle of upfront costs. Whether it’s through Power Purchase Agreements, asset finance, or community energy participation, we build clear, practical pathways to measurable climate action for your institution.

  • Everything we do at RECFA is built on Partnership, Collaboration, and Innovation.

    We partner with credible, mission-driven organisations to deliver reliable solutions that meet the highest standards of quality and accountability. We foster collaboration by bringing together schools, colleges, universities, and specialist providers to create measurable, lasting impact.

    Innovation is at the core of our approach, using advanced technologies and flexible financing models to speed up decarbonisation in the education sector. Our values of transparency, trust, and tailored support guide us in every project, ensuring your institution can move confidently towards a sustainable future.

Solutions for Education

  • Renewable & Smart Technologies

    RECFA gives schools, colleges, and universities access to a wide range of sustainable technologies designed specifically for the education sector. This includes solar PV systems, battery energy storage, and electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure, helping you lower your carbon emissions and energy costs while aligning with the Department for Education’s sustainability goals.

    Beyond core renewable energy, we support the rollout of smart energy management systems, advanced window insulation, LED lighting upgrades, and digital carbon management tools. By integrating these technologies, your institution can maximise its decarbonisation potential while protecting your facilities against the volatility of energy markets.

  • Financial Solutions

    We understand that funding is often the biggest barrier for schools and colleges wanting to decarbonise. That’s why RECFA offers flexible finance options, including fully funded Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) and asset finance, so you can install renewable energy systems without upfront costs.

    PPAs can be structured through either an Airspace Lease or Licence model, allowing flexibility to suit your governance and PFI arrangements. We also support institutions in accessing SALIX and CIF funding for further energy efficiency upgrades, such as heating system improvements and LED lighting replacements. This means your decarbonisation projects can go ahead without placing strain on your existing budgets.

  • The Education Energy Sharing Network

    Through our partnerships, RECFA’s Education Energy Network allows schools and colleges to generate, use, and sell excess renewable energy within their local communities. This not only creates an additional income stream for your institution but also supports local decarbonisation efforts and financial resilience.

    By joining the Education Energy Network, your institution also becomes part of a peer-to-peer learning community, sharing knowledge and best practices with others implementing sustainable energy solutions. This strengthens your leadership on climate action and embeds sustainability deeper within your institution’s culture and operations.

Our Partners

  • Core Delivery Partners

    RECFA’s delivery capabilities are strengthened through partnerships with some of the leading names in renewable energy and finance. These partnerships ensure your institution benefits from proven expertise, reliable delivery, and scalable technology solutions that align with your operational and educational needs.

    Our collaboration with Urban Chain powers the Education Energy Network, providing a secure, innovative platform for local clean energy generation and distribution within the education community.

  • Technology & Service Affiliates

    We also work with a network of technology and sustainability service providers. These affiliates bring sector-specific insights, advanced technologies, and implementation capacity that help your institution achieve significant and lasting carbon reductions.

    Our trusted network of energy consultants, engineers, and project managers ensures you receive end-to-end support—from feasibility studies and funding applications to system installation and ongoing monitoring.

  • Community & Sector Partnerships

    RECFA’s mission is further strengthened through alliances with community-focused and sector-leading organisations. These partnerships ensure that decarbonisation projects deliver not only environmental and financial benefits but also educational, social, and community value.

    By working within this trusted ecosystem, your institution becomes part of a broader movement prioritising climate action while creating opportunities for learning, leadership, and community engagement for both students and staff.

Impact and Get Involved

  • RECFA is actively partnering with Dioceses, Trusts, and College Groups to prioritise decarbonisation where there is readiness and autonomy for delivery. By working with groups of schools and colleges, we can achieve meaningful impact at scale while reducing the administrative burden on individual institutions.

    Early projects include partnerships with Diocesan Multi-Academy Trusts, regional college groups, and private schools, with a first-year target of delivering 12MW of new solar capacity. This is equivalent to supporting 5–7 new schools and one college or college group every month, allowing your institution to benefit from immediate cost savings while making a tangible contribution to climate action.

  • Description text goes hereA portion of the revenue generated from RECFA’s energy projects goes into our Discretionary Charitable Fund, reinvesting back into educational communities to support sustainability initiatives and climate education programmes. This independently managed fund helps turn the financial benefits of decarbonisation into impactful local projects, reinforcing RECFA’s commitment to delivering social value alongside environmental and financial outcomes.

    On average, the fund is expected to generate around £6,000 per MW each year, supporting projects and priorities defined by schools, colleges, and local partners.

  • RECFA offers your institution a clear, practical pathway to join a growing community of climate leaders in education. By becoming part of our coalition, you gain access to fully funded renewable energy solutions, advanced decarbonisation technologies, and a supportive network that prioritises your operational goals.

    Take the first step towards your Climate Action Plan targets and long-term resilience. Contact RECFA today to book a consultation, learn more about our funding models, and start your journey towards Net Zero.

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