Eco-warriors at a Derby primary school have shown a Member of Parliament how they are making their school more sustainable, thanks to a government-backed green initiative.
Bishop Lonsdale Church of England Primary School – part of the Derby Diocesan Academy Trust (DDAT) – is among just 250 schools nationwide to secure funding through the Great British Energy Solar Partnership Programme.
The scheme supports the installation of solar panels alongside a range of energy-saving improvements designed to make school buildings more efficient.
During a visit to the school, Derby North MP Catherine Atkinson saw how the new measures will help to lower energy bills while reducing the school’s carbon footprint.
During the visit, Derby North MP Catherine Atkinson was given a tour of the school and met with pupils, speaking to them about her role in the Houses of Parliament. Pupils were also invited to take part in a ‘bob’ — a parliamentary tradition where members stand up to signal they wish to speak.
Catherine Atkinson, said: “Bishop Lonsdale is a great example of how the government’s Great British Energy Solar Partnership is delivering real benefits for schools.
“The hard work of staff and pupils is being backed by practical investment that will cut energy bills using clean, homegrown power and free up more money for teaching and learning in the classroom.
“With energy bills having eaten into school budgets in recent years, it’s welcome that this government-backed scheme shows how public investment can deliver long-term savings and real benefits for pupils here in Derby.”
Solar panels are being installed alongside a new battery storage system, allowing energy generated on-site to be stored and used more efficiently. The school is also one of just five nationally selected to benefit from a new energy pod that will include a heat pump, replacing its existing system boiler system with a modern, energy-efficient alternative.
The project is part of a wider government investment of up to £100 million, which is also supporting NHS sites and military buildings to become more energy efficient across England.
All internal and exterior lighting has been upgraded to energy-efficient LED, improving sustainability and visibility. On-site electric vehicle charging points will also be available for staff and the school has a first-year free subscription to Energy Sparks to monitor energy use more closely.
Ten-year-old pupil Matilda, a member of the school’s eco-council, said: “I feel really passionate about the environment and animals, so it’s great to be able to help teach my classmates about how we can all make a difference.
“We do lots of things around the school to help protect the environment, like making signs to remind people to switch the lights off when they leave a room.”
Representatives from the initiative also visited the school to deliver a presentation on energy saving, introducing pupils to the eco-thermometer and how it helps track and reduce energy use across the site.
DDAT Chief Executive Officer, Sarah Clark, said: “We feel incredibly lucky to have been selected to benefit from this scheme, which will have a lasting positive impact on our school.
“Not only does it improve energy efficiency and help reduce running costs, but it also supports valuable learning opportunities for pupils, reinforcing the importance of sustainability and environmental responsibility.”
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This press release was distributed by Penguin PR. To find out more contact Sarah-Louise Elton on 01332 416228 or by email at [email protected]
