Kesgrave school goes green

Saturday, May 10, 2008
3:50 PM

KESGRAVE High School is set to receive a green energy boost when its rooftop solar panels are switched on next week.

The 1,700-pupil school is among 100 across the UK that has been chosen to receive the £20,000 panels under a project by The Co-Operative Group.

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KESGRAVE High School is set to receive a green energy boost when its rooftop solar panels are switched on next week.

The 1,700-pupil school is among 100 across the UK that has been chosen to receive the £20,000 panels under a project by The Co-Operative Group.

The 24 panels, which are half funded by the group's £1m Green Energy for Schools scheme with match funding from the government, are set to be switched on next Wednesday and will generate enough electricity to power to school computer for 33,000 hours, while saving two tonnes of carbon dioxide.

Melanie Phillips, The Co-operative's community and campaigns manager, said: “By switching on these solar panels, Kesgrave High School is teaching the next generation about climate change, while setting an excellent example to other schools, businesses and homes in Ipswich. We hope this will inspire wider efforts to reduce the whole community's carbon footprint.”

Year 12 student, Steven Jones, 17, said: “The school's Eco-Action team has already been able to make such a difference in so many areas. The solar panels are the next step and are a true example of working together can have such a positive impact on the environment and our community.”

Pupils will be able to keep track of how much renewable energy the panels are generating and the amount of carbon dioxide saved by checking a monitor in the school building.

Deputy head teacher, Cath Breckell, added: “We are very proud to be among schools leading the way on renewable energy through this generous Co-operative scheme.”

Schools were nominated for the project by Co-op staff and members of SolarCentury, which erects the panels.

What green initiatives have you recently begun? Write to Your Letters, Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN, or e-mail eveningstarletters@eveningstar.co.uk