In February this year I became aware of a scheme run jointly by The Co-operative Group and SolarCentury called Solar Panels for Schools. The scheme was designed to provide free solar panels for up to 100 schools nationwide. The Co-op Group agreed to provide 50% of the cost of the project with the other 50% coming from DTI grants that were already available. SolarCentury agreed to assess the various sites for suitability and to install the panels.
As an active member of Bollington Carbon Revolution, I decided this was too good an opportunity to miss, and I contacted all the schools in Bollington, along with Tytherington High School, to see if any of them were interested in making an application via Bollington Carbon Revolution. The timescale for submitting applications was very short; however two schools expressed an interest in being nominated – Tytherington High School and Dean Valley Community Primary School.
I acted as nominee and sponsor for the schools, meeting with them to discuss the scheme, completing the application forms, and then monitoring progress. As yet, Dean Valley do not know if they have been successful, but Tytherington High School were successful, and they are now the proud owners of state of the art renewable energy technology worth £20,000.
This achievement is an excellent example of a community group working with the local community to take successful action. It will raise the profile of the school, increase awareness of renewable energy and other Green issues for students and staff alike, and will, of course, make a contribution to reducing the carbon footprint of our community.
Eco-Warriors
As a result of my initial meeting with the school, Tytherington students have set up Eco-Warriors, a student led initiative looking to make changes and raise awareness within the school community. Have a look at their web site
to see what they have done so far!
If the scheme runs again next year, I will once again encourage our schools to make an application. In the meantime, Bollington Carbon Revolution can add this project to our list of successes as we strive to reduce the carbon footprint of our community.
Peter Mould
