An innovative partnership established between Drax, charity organisation Energy Sparks, and schools throughout the UK has won the 'Best Response to the Cost of Living Crisis' category at the Third Sector Business Charity Awards. The award highlights a successful three-year alliance focused on helping educational facilities lower energy costs, curb carbon emissions, and expand sustainability education for thousands of young people.

The award celebrates the direct outcomes of development schemes funded by the Drax Foundation. The foundation aids schools in underserved communities in upgrading their energy efficiency through the introduction of energy-saving technology, educational platforms, and behavioural changes.

Since 2023, Drax has worked alongside Energy Sparks, a charity utilising data-driven energy analysis software and educational programmes to help schools limit their energy use. This year's financial support enabled 150 schools to use Energy Sparks' management tools, education packages, and technical resources at no cost, engaging as many as 50,000 children. The participating sites are on track to save upwards of £1 million in utilities and prevent 1,500 tonnes of CO2 emissions over the 2025/26 school year.

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Shona King, Head of Social Impact at Drax said: "We're incredibly proud that our partnership with Energy Sparks and schools across the UK has been recognised through the Third Sector Business Charity Awards.

"This collaboration is helping schools reduce costs at a time when budgets continue to face pressure, while also supporting pupils to develop a greater understanding of sustainability, energy efficiency and green skills. By combining practical energy-saving measures with education, we're helping schools create lasting benefits for both their communities and the environment."

Dr Claudia Towner, CEO and Programme Director at Energy Sparks, said: "The ongoing funding from the Drax Foundation will allow participating schools to embed energy saving behaviours across their school communities and provide more opportunities for children and young people to develop green skills."

Running alongside the educational outreach, Drax has completed a separate three-year infrastructural programme to install solar panels and modern LED lighting inside 54 schools situated within communities where Drax operates across England and Scotland.

Between 2023 and 2025, the participating schools lowered their combined energy bills by roughly £1 million and reduced carbon emissions by 1,684 tonnes CO2e. Establishments taking part in the infrastructure programme experienced an average annual decrease of 64% in their electricity costs and a 62% reduction in CO2 emissions.

Bernadette McMillan, Head Teacher at Taynuilt Primary School, said: "The new LED lighting and solar panels will help us to save money on our energy bills, which is critical when the cost of fuel is so high. It's also a great opportunity to engage the children about practical measures to address energy efficiency and climate change."