a sustainable school

Eden Project

The Eden project are working with pupils and staff, advising on the technical and planting aspects of the dome.

Solardome

We aim to erect the largest school geodesic solardome to grow a range of planting which will be a focus for our global classroom work with our partner South African school.

Energy Bike

Working with the Centre for Alternative Technology we aim to install an energy bike which is a simple and educational way of conveying the energy needed to power electrical appliances

Green Transport

We aim to introduce a large number of bike racks and a range of incentives to encourage more pupils and staff to cycle to school. ‘Green parking bays’ will also be created which will feature electric power points and priority parking for staff with electric cars.

Landscaping the Site

Marshalls donated the landscaping materials to re-model our school site in a sustainable way. The CO2 footprint and inspirational ‘green’ quotations are inscribed in the paving.

The Green Trail

We aim to create a 'green trail' of notices and interactive displays to show case sustainable education and to be a focus for other schools visiting Saint Bede's

Boreholes

As part of the Ground Source Heat Pump system there are ten 100m bore holes sunk into the ground in order to provide heat for the refurbished building

Heat Pump

The building is heated by a Ground Source Heat Pump which provides 45kWh of heat energy and reduces carbon emissions by over 17 tonnes per year.

Green Displays

We aim to work with DIY Kyoto to establish a school-based 'green monitor' which displays all relevant information about sustainability in a school, including green energy generated, water use, amount of waste etc.

Energy Saving Measures

Cavity wall and loft insulation has been installed in the main building saving an estimated 40,000kWh of energy and reducing carbon emissions by over 10 tonnes

ROSLA

A timber-framed ROSLA building heated with electric space heating has been completely refurbished sustainably. The building is now highly insulated, much more use is made of natural light, and an energy-saving lighting system has been installed.

Recycling

Eden project recycling bins are used to collect and recycle cans and plastic bottles. There are daily/weekly collections of paper and cardboard led by eco reps in the school

Water Butts

Three large water butts collect rainwater which is then used to water the allotments. Three smaller water butts collect water for trees and plants in the courtyard area

ICT Equipment

All our PCs have automatic switch-down systems at the end of the day and the majority are energy-efficient Ecoquiet workstations which save around 7.9kWh of energy each year

Solar Thermal Panels

We aim to install solar thermal panels to provide hot water for the kitchens, pupil and staff toilets and the staff common room, saving 2.7 tonnes of CO2 per year

Solar PV Panels

Solar PV panels have been installed to help meet the electricity demands of the school and to reduce carbon emissions by just under 8 tonnes per year.

Allotments

Allotments have been established which provide food for the school kitchens and also used as part of a social enterprise project supporting the work of a local charity for the homeless

Food Growing

Fruit bushes and trees have been planted and the fruits used within the school kitchens and in Food Technology. We have even planted olive trees in a sheltered warm area of the school

Biodiversity

We aim to create a trail around the school site that showcases a range of biodiversity including a woodland area and wildflower meadows