Energy management framework for low-income schools in developing regions

This study presents a comprehensive framework designed to optimise energy management in low-income schools in developing regions, specifically aiming to address challenges such as limited resources, lack of technical skills, unreliable energy infrastructure, and low levels of energy literacy. Taking advantage of South Africa’s unique energy landscape, the framework integrates renewable energy solutions, low-cost efficiency measures, and sociotechnical approaches to enhance energy efficiency while promoting sustainability. By combining global best practices with localised socio-economic insights, the study develops a flexible and scalable energy management strategy. This framework prioritises data-driven methods, stakeholder collaboration, and incremental implementation, ensuring contextual adaptability. The proposed model highlights cost reduction, energy efficiency, energy reliability, and behavioural optimisation, offering actionable pathways to empower educational institutions while addressing systemic energy inefficiencies. The framework is grounded in a mixed-methods approach and supported by empirical data from recent studies conducted in low-income South African schools, allowing schools to transition to sustainable energy practices, reduce dependency on fossil fuels, and foster energy literacy among students and staff. This proposed framework can significantly contribute to lower energy costs, reduced carbon emissions, and increased awareness and knowledge of sustainable energy practices in educational settings in developing regions. • Tailored energy framework for low-income schools integrates renewable energy and sustainable solutions. • Incorporates socio-economic, technical, and institutional factors for context-specific adaptability and implementation. • Focuses on cost reduction, resilience, and long-term sustainability through data-driven strategies. • Emphasises phased, scalable implementation to build capacity and engage stakeholders effectively. • Promotes local adaptation, collaboration, and continuous performance optimisation for enhanced energy efficiency.