low carbon energy
Energy use in school buildings accounts for 37% nationally of the schools greenhouse gas footprint. Installing low-carbon renewable energy sources such as wind turbines, solar panels and heat pumps will help save the planet but also help schools to save money. Installing renewable energy technologies on a school site can allow schools to free up funds which can then be directed into addressing issues across the buildings that otherwise would be hard to fund. The installations can therefore have a ripple effect offering far better carbon savings than purely the electricity/gas they will displace. In addition installing renewable energy sources can be visible statements about the school’s commitment to carbon reductions and can help engage pupil, staff and parents alike more fully in the issues of climate change. Opportunities for pupil participation are significant and the lessons learned about saving energy at school often translate to pupil and staff behaviour at home.
1. Get expert and specific advice on energy saving within your school – this may be free. Schools with energy bills above £50,000 pa. are entitled to a free energy survey from The Carbon Trust. This energy survey will suggest ways of reducing the energy use and carbon emissions of the school and will suggest the most appropriate renewable technologies for the site. It may also save thousands!
2. Access Government grants. The Low Carbon Buildings Programme offers 50% funding for the installation of renewable energy sources and provides good clear advice on the various technologies available
3. Get help with funding the other 50%. The lottery funded Community Sustainable Energy Programme can award up to 50% of the cost of the project. In addition there are interest free loans for low-carbon energy-saving installation through Salix and the Carbon Trust. Energy companies and other agencies also offer awards and grants for renewable technologies.
4. Display it - Use low-carbon energy as an educational resource. The presence of solar panels and wind turbines on a school site can be useful teaching resources and strong statements about a commitment to renewable energy. Energy saving measures and Ground Source Heat Pumps are less visible but the educational benefits can still be had through good resources and displays. Digital energy displays (e.g www.energiplc.co.uk ) are available which show energy consumption and generation through renewable sources.
5. Can’t install renewable technologies just yet? - Introduce a bit of novelty with The Great Solar Car Race or The Solar Oven Cook-Off. If installing renewable technologies is not possible in the short term then launching the solar car race, solar ovens and other interesting projects will engage students and help explain the key concepts and principles of low-carbon energy.
1. A Low Carbon Partnership multimedia education pack including videos and games with a particular focus on low carbon energy
2. Teacher activities, fact sheets and posters on renewable energy from the Department of Business, Innovation and Skills
3. Games, videos and resources from The Pod - to help schools become more sustainable
4. Innovative and practical teaching resources for renewable energy projects
5. A variety of interactive games and green rewards www.generationgreen.co.uk
1. The Low Carbon Buildings Programme - www.lowcarbonbuildings.org.uk
2. The Low Carbon Partnership site - providing detailed information and interesting resources for education about sustainable energy sources.
3. Renewable Energy Assurance Scheme website - http://www.realassurance.org.uk/ - giving advice and information on renewable energy sources
4. http://www.greenlearning.ca - A Canadian site dedicated to providing teaching resources for low-carbon energy and all aspects of sustainable education