Making the most of your school budget in the face of inflation

This blog explores how the education sector is affected by inflation, and how we can help you stretch your school budget through our flexible rental packages.

Sonja Mozzi-Megit
Author
Sonja Mozzi-Megit
Published: June 24, 2022

As prices soar and purchasing power falls, many of us are spending more money on the same goods and services. Inflation has hit everyone hard, and the education system is no exception.  Considering the pandemic’s effect on supply and demand, it’s little wonder that schools nationwide have had to tighten their purse strings. This blog aims to help you make the most of your school budget when times are tough by highlighting some money-saving solutions!

Combat rising costs with energy-efficient equipment

Rising energy prices are turning up the heat on all of us. Some schools are even reporting energy bill increases of over 100%, leaving them (understandably) struggling for cash. Large sums are being reallocated to pay for gas, water, and electricity. Consequently, this has left little to spare for vital recruitment, and replacing defunct or outdated equipment. Although these energy price hikes are unavoidable, there are changes you can make to minimise their impact on your school’s budget.

We offer a range of affordable energy-efficient solutions to cut down on your school’s energy consumption and spending! Three of our most effective packages are explained below:

1. LED lighting

Lighting can account for over half of a school’s electricity usage. Improving your lighting is therefore a quick and effective way to slash energy bills and reduce your carbon footprint. This might sound daunting given the current economic climate, but retaining outdated lighting is more expensive in the long run when you factor in maintenance costs.

2. Propelair toilets

Older toilets use up to 11 litres of water per flush, and can contribute to 90% of a school’s water bill! In contrast, Propelair toilets use just 1.5 litres per flush, instantly reducing your spending on water and waste processing. Your school could make savings of up to 60% by switching to these loos, allowing you to invest this money into other important areas.

3. Hand dryers

Disposable paper towels create a massive amount of waste, not to mention the money your school throws away on these single-use products! Our hand dryers, by contrast, are energy-efficient, cheaper than paper towels, and help lower your school’s carbon footprint. 

Overcome equipment shortages with EdTech leasing

A worldwide shortage of microprocessors has led to an EdTech shortfall, especially when it comes to computers and interactive screens. Prices have risen as manufacturers compensate for a lack of parts, and schools have been subject to longer waiting times. Buying essential IT equipment outright may not suit your school budget at the moment, but we can help

We provide a wide range of EdTech rental equipment to schools, including iPads, Chromebooks, interactive screens and 3D printers. All of our equipment is robust enough for the school environment, and staff training to get to grips with these technologies is also available!

The benefits of rental agreements

Utility Rentals provides compliant equipment leases to schools. Our straightforward leases allow you to make the most of your school budget by spreading your costs, rather than paying upfront. 

Whether you’re looking to upgrade your IT rooms or replace your traditional school lighting with something leaner and greener, we’re here to help!

If you’d like to find out more about our inflation-busting equipment rental packages, contact us today!

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