LONGWELL Green Primary is one of a number of schools and public buildings in South Gloucestershire benefiting from lower energy bills and reduced carbon emissions thanks to solar panels.
By coincidence, one of the people installing the environmentally friendly measures at the primary was one of its former pupils, James Harvey.
James, now 44, an electrician with the award-winning Bristol-based SolarSense for over 20 years, said: “My teachers have retired now and, of course, renewable energy wasn’t part of the conversation or curriculum when I was in the classroom
“But to go back to where I started, and to see them embracing renewables and bringing what children are learning about climate action to life right above their heads was really pretty special.”
Headteacher Darren Brown said: “A couple of years ago, we saved up to replace every light in the school with energy efficient LEDs, and now, with wonderful support from our Local Authority, installing solar panels takes that further again, bringing classroom conversations around sustainability to life.”
South Gloucestershire Council has been able to expand renewable energy generation at 11 schools this year, partly funded by the West of England Mayoral Combined Authority as part of Great British Energy’s Mayoral Renewables Fund.
New Horizons primary and secondary schools and St Stephen’s Infants benefited from the scheme too.
The council has also invested in solar capacity at community facilities, such as libraries and children’s centres, including Hanham and Cadbury Heath libraries.
The investment has more than doubled the council’s rooftop solar generation capacity.
Cabinet councillor Louise Harris said: “Putting solar panels on the council buildings and schools was a real way we could make a difference. We’re really pleased to see solar installed across the council’s buildings.
“It is estimated that each school or public building that’s had solar installed as part of this programme will save around a third of its energy costs. It’s a win for the environment and keeps costs down.
“By harnessing the power of the sun, solar panels produce clean, low-carbon energy, helping to reduce dependence on traditional electricity and gas supplies.
“We are putting our climate and nature action plan into action and demonstrating the council’s continued commitment to addressing the climate and nature emergency, reducing carbon emissions, and supporting the transition to a cleaner, greener future for South Gloucestershire.”
Helen Godwin, Mayor of the West of England, said: “Saving money through green energy today can help protect tomorrow, and thanks to more new funding, we will be able to help even more communities. It’s great to see South Gloucestershire Council matching the investment provided by the Mayoral Renewables Fund, secured from Great British Energy.”