At Low Energy Designs, we believe the future is not only bright—it’s energy efficient. That’s why we’re thrilled to see the UK Government stepping up with a £302 million investment into the condition improvement of further education colleges across England for 2025 to 2026.
The Department for Education’s latest College Condition Allocation (CCA) announcement couldn’t have come at a better time. With mounting pressure on institutions to modernise, decarbonise, and deliver better environments for learners and staff alike, this funding provides a much-needed spark of opportunity.
What’s in the CCA?
This pot of gold (or should we say… green) is designed to help colleges tackle urgent building condition issues—from leaking roofs to outdated electrical systems. But what’s really exciting? The explicit encouragement for sustainable upgrades, particularly around energy efficiency and carbon reduction.
It’s a golden ticket for colleges to rip out those old fluorescent tubes and flick the switch to LED.
LEDs: The Unsung Heroes of educational Upgrades
Let’s not beat around the bush—LED lighting is one of the easiest and most cost-effective ways to slash energy consumption. Our smart, British-manufactured LED systems have been quietly transforming schools, colleges and universities for over a decade: improving light quality, cutting carbon footprints, and slashing maintenance costs. In a climate-conscious world, retrofitting with LED isn’t just nice to have—it’s a strategic, future-proof investment.
SOME OF OUR CASE STUDIES
BISHOP ALDHELM’S CE PRIMARY SCHOOL
- Over 76% annual cost savings
- 74% annual CO2 saving
- ROI of just over 2 years
- 5 Year Warranty (inc. 2 Years on-site)
- Reduced light fittings by 12% with LED
- Improved light quality
ST. PETER’S CATHOLIC SCHOOL
- Saving over £13,500 per year
- 78% annual CO2 saving
- 80% increase in lighting
- ROI of just under 11 months
- 750 lux meeting exam and sports standards
Supporting Education, One Fixture at a Time
At Low Energy Designs, we’re ready to support FE colleges looking to make the most of their CCA allocations. From a free site survey to installation, we offer a tailored, turnkey approach—because upgrading your lighting shouldn’t feel like rocket science.
We’re proud to already work with forward-thinking institutions across the UK. And with this new round of funding, we look forward to partnering with even more, helping to create spaces that are safer, brighter, and more sustainable—for both students and the planet.