Schools are reaping significant savings on fuel by switching to biomass, according to new findings from LC Energy.

The company has seen a year-on-year rise in the number of schools fitting biomass boilers across the South East, and suggests that this rise in popularity can partly be explained by the introduction of the government's Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI).

Mark Lebus, managing director of LC Energy, said: "As heat in schools must be available on-demand, particularly during cold spells, locally sourced biomass has proved an excellent option – especially with availability of the RHI. We've seen a significant increase in the number of schools recognising the cost effectiveness of wood-fuel energy, as well as the benefits it delivers in terms of reducing the carbon footprint and lessening the establishment's reliance on fossil fuels."

Those schools investing in the technology have also seen an educational value in opting for the renewable energy source. As the wood chip or pellets are sourced locally, the on-site biomass boiler enables the pupils to get involved in understanding the renewable energy cycle and the importance of managing resources sustainably.

Julie Davies, office manager at Marston Vale Middle School in Bedfordshire, said: "Our biomass system has proved a very cost-effective alternative to our previous oil central heating system. Estimates suggest we've reduced our spending on heating by £15,000 a year. Over time, we will also benefit from the government's Renewable Heat Incentive and this could save us an additional £15,000, annually. As well as using these savings to make investments in other areas of the school, our teachers have gained a ready-made educational tool to help children understand the long-term value of renewable energy."

Mark Smith is assistant head teacher at St James Primary School in Elstead, Surrey, which fitted a biomass boiler in August 2010. He said: "After exploring a range of heating possibilities for the school, we opted for biomass, given its excellent sustainability profile and cost effectiveness. It was also compelling for us to select an energy option which allows us to use a locally sourced fuel supply – not only does this help to minimise our carbon footprint, but it also allows us to support industry within our local community."

James Little, LC Energy's business development manager, added: "We took the whole tree-to-heat story to St James Primary School's Year 6 just before Christmas, and gave a short presentation about the replanting of trees for every tree felled. They were thoroughly enthusiastic, especially as we gave each of them a Douglas fir sapling to plant at home for some competitive tree growing!"