The new initiative coincides with the publication of the Zero Carbon Task Force final report which recommends that the use of energy display meters and a comprehensive awareness campaign can help change energy efficiency behaviour in schools.
From 28th January 2010, all primary and secondary schools in England can apply for a free energy display meter which will provide an accurate real-time reading of how much electricity a school building uses which can be displayed via the school’s computer network. This means that pupils can see for themselves how simple actions – such as switching off lights, computers and electrical equipment – affects the school’s electricity use.
Schools account for around 2 per cent of UK green house gas emissions, with 9.4 million tonnes of carbon dioxide emitted annually by schools in England. The energy display meters, which are provided and installed by British Gas, are expected to help reduce consumption by 10-15 per cent and it is estimated that it could save an average 900-pupil secondary school more than £3,000 a year on fuel bills alone.
The Energy Display Meter offer is funded by the Department for Children, Schools and Families, with Partnerships for Schools responsible for overseeing the delivery of the project, working in partnership with British Gas as the selected private sector partner. The project is being supported by the British Gas Generation Green educational programme which has created a range of learning resources, including lessons plans, which are specifically designed to be used alongside the ‘dashboard’ displays.
Speaking at the Pimlico Academy, the first school to sign up to the initiative, Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families, the Rt Hon Ed Balls MP said:
“School children of today have a real desire to become the environmental champions of the future – and we need to harness this interest. This £12 million investment will enable schools to lead the way on an energy revolution, helping staff to reduce energy consumption, and helping children to have a better understanding of the importance of their behaviour in tackling environmental issues.”
Tim Byles, Chief Executive of Partnerships of Schools, said:
“Display meters are a great way of tapping into the enthusiasm and interest that young people have in the environment and energy efficiency. In new and refurbished schools where these meters are already in operation, we are seeing energy information actively being used in lessons and positive changes in behaviour that will help reduce the carbon footprint of our schools.
“Pimlico Academy has been designed and built as a sustainable school, and the new Energy Display Meter should help pupils and teachers alike identify even more opportunities to make those small changes which collectively make a big difference We’re looking forward to making this opportunity available to more schools across the country and in so doing introduce more environmentally sustainable behaviours, both within schools and in the ways young people live their lives beyond the school gates.”
The Zero Carbon Task Force was set up in 2008 to advise on carbon reduction measures for schools and how best to achieve this. Two key recommendations made by the Task Force in March 2009 were the use of energy display meters and a comprehensive awareness campaign to help change energy efficiency behaviour in schools.
All primary and secondary state schools in England will be eligible to apply for a free energy display meter. Schools can find out how to apply for a meter via the Teachernet site: www.teachernet.gov.uk/energydisplaymeter
