Back     Latest news from Green Building Press    Subscribe to our newsletter

Turbine Will Supply Half School's Energy

Posted: 16/11/2006

A West Cumbrian school is gearing up for the arrival of a 12.5 metre wind turbine which will generate almost half its energy needs. St Gregory and St Patrick’s Catholic Infant School in Mirehouse, Whitehaven, which has already won national recognition for its green policies, was granted permission for the turbine despite concerns from neighbours.

Headteacher Anthony Dwyer is turning the school into an eco-friendly centre and the wind turbine is just one of a series of initiatives to use renewable energy sources to power the school. He hopes his ideas will inspire others to go green and use renewable energy sources. “The wind turbine will generate about 40 per cent of our own electricity needs and it will also be a symbol that we are doing out bit for the environment,” he said.

It is going to be installed on Friday lunchtime at a ceremony attended by Copeland MP Jamie Reed. Representatives from Scottish Power, who donated £10,000 towards the £20,000 cost of the turbine, will also be there. The rest of the money came from the Clear Skies Community Renewable Energy fund. The 12.5 metre, 2.5 kilowatt turbine will help the school save around £2,000 a year in energy bills. As well as generating ‘clean energy’ it will also be a education tool for the pupils.

The school has permission for the turbine for 10 years from when it first starts generating electricity. St Gregory & St Patrick’s is one of the only Green Flag Eco-Schools in Cumbria and has won national recognition for achievements in working towards a sustainable lifestyle.

The wind energy project is part of a scheme to improve the school’s energy efficiency and help cut greenhouse gases. Solar water heating and a ground source heating pump will also be introduced to reduce bills and generate renewable heat. As part of the school’s eco-friendly programme, which includes recycling schemes, composting and a travel plan to reduce congestion, Mr Dwyer is looking at having photovoltaic cells which use sunlight to light the school.

Building work starts next week on the school’s £800,000 children’s centre and community centre, which will be powered by thermal energy. A deep borehole will be drilled down through the playground and heat from the earth will be used to heat the building.

Andrea Thompson / Times & Star (Cumbria)  
 

Back     Latest news from Green Building Press    Subscribe to our newsletter

1691