From energy performance indicators to institutional strategies: a multi-cluster benchmarking study of Fijian schools

• First multi-cluster energy benchmarks established for Fiji’s educational sector. • Off-grid maritime schools face energy costs 4.1 times higher than on-grid schools. • Identified critical water-energy nexus-34% of schools use untreated water sources. • A top-down statistical framework used to rank school energy performance into tiers. • Proposes a cyclic management model engaging students as active energy champions. As Small Island Developing States (SIDS) are on the front line of the global climate crisis, the education sector offers a vital yet underutilised opportunity to achieve national energy security and foster long-term climate resilience. This study addresses a critical gap in demand-side energy management in the educational sector of Small Island Developing States (SIDS), with a focus on Fiji. Utilising a top-down benchmarking approach, data were collected from 173 schools—including Early Childhood Education (ECE), primary, and secondary institutions—spanning urban, rural, and remote maritime locations. The research establishes the first multi-cluster Energy Utilisation Index (EUI) and Cost Utilisation Index (CUI) for Fijian schools, identifying a significant disparity in energy costs, with off-grid schools paying up to 4.1 times as much per student as their on-grid counterparts. The results demonstrate that, although the median EUI across all schools is 8.7 kWh/m 2 /yr, performance varies significantly across clusters, with medium-sized secondary schools being the most energy-intensive. Benchmarks were established at the 10th (Best), 25th (Good), 50th (Typical) and 75th (Poor) percentiles to provide actionable targets for school management. The study further explores the “Water-Energy Nexus,” revealing that 34% of schools rely on untreated water sources and highlighting the challenges of renewable energy resilience in the aftermath of natural disasters. The paper concludes with a comprehensive strategic framework that recommends transitioning to LED lighting retrofits and implementing student-led “Energy Champion” programs. By focusing on these accessible behavioural and technical interventions, schools can significantly reduce operational costs and carbon footprints. These findings provide a scalable, culturally relevant model for improving energy efficiency and advancing climate change mitigation across the Pacific region.