A PRIMARY school has taken a big step to reduce its carbon emissions and cut energy costs.
Southminster Primary School is the first school in the Vine Schools Trust to receive new solar panels and LED lighting.
A total of 173 solar panels have been installed on the roof of the school, estimated to save a total of 300 tonnes of carbon from entering the atmosphere.
In October, the panels generated 3,980 kWh of solar energy, which is the equivalent of charging 67 electric cars.
The panels were installed by Solar for Schools, which utilises funding through their Community Benefits Society to design, develop and install solar panels at schools in the UK.
Co-founder and CEO Robert Schrimpff said: “We are very pleased to have been able to fund and add a solar panel system to Southminster Primary School.
“As a social impact business, our purpose is to empower and educate the next generation to live more sustainably whilst helping schools decarbonise with solar energy.
“We provide hands-on educational materials and tools to educate pupils at the schools where we install solar panels.
“We want to help the children have a solid understanding of energy, environment and decarbonisation so they can help their parents and communities reach net zero carbon emissions sooner.”
Suthan Santhaguru, director of finance at the Vine Schools Trust, said: “We have been eager to start implementing decarbonisation projects across our trust schools.
“With a total of 23 schools within our trust, it is important for us to acknowledge our collective carbon footprint and start implementing sustainable solutions as soon as possible.
“Additionally, by switching to solar energy and LED lighting, we are predicting an energy saving total of £150,000.
“In the midst of a cost of living crisis and with energy prices at an all-time high in 2023, this has been an important factor in our decision to switch to low-emission solutions.
“We look forward to seeing the continued positive outcomes these new installations will bring for Southminster Primary School.”
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