Rotherham schools urged to save the planet

Rotherham has been chosen to play a part in helping cut carbon levels.

An energy reduction scheme financed by Salix Schools: Switching to Low Energy is offering 40 state maintained schools the chance to make a substantial contribution in reducing carbon emissions and savings of up to £50,000.

Brinsworth Comprehensive School has been the first school in Rotherham to take advantage of a Salix interest free loan and has reduced energy costs by £2 per pupil per year by upgrading the lighting in the 1970s school building.

Head teacher Richard Fone said: “The benefits from the Salix loan are positive for both the environment and the school.

“It reduces costs and carbon emissions, and has offered an immediate improvement to our school.”

The project was started in July 2013 and completed five months later.

Salix said Brinsworth Comprehensive will save the school around £3,500 in annual savings and lifetime savings of around £52,000.

Sam Illsley, programme manager for Salix Finance, said: “Schools have a significant part to play in helping our country achieve carbon reduction targets.

“We hope that schools up and down the country will be inspired to be involved in this innovative pioneering project to reduce their carbon emissions and overall energy costs.”

Schools will get the chance to choose from cooling systems for ICT equipment, energy efficient hand dryers and LED lighting.

Pilot surveys suggest that by implementing these systems, it could reduce energy consumption by 30 per cent in schools across the country.

They will also recieve a package which explains what efficiency measures can be introduced and expert advice on how to reduce energy consumption.

For more information e-mail [email protected] or call 0207 406 7620.