Solar panels project to cut schools' energy bills
Solar panels are to be fitted on 17 Bradford schools to cut energy bills
- Published
An academy chain will install solar panels on 17 Bradford schools in a bid to reduce reliance on fossil fuels.
The work by the Bradford Diocesan Academies Trust aims to prevent 390 tonnes of carbon dioxide being released into the atmosphere each year, as well as reducing the schools' energy bills.
It is hoped work will be completed by spring.
Several planning applications for the solar panels have been submitted and approved in the past two months.
The project is being completed in partnership with Solar for Schools, a non-profit nationwide organisation working with more than 200 schools to reduce carbon emissions.
Two of the trust’s academies – Clayton St John on Bradford Road and The Academy at St James on Chelwood Drive in Allerton, began installing the panels earlier this month, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.
The remaining schools will start installations over the course of this term, with the aim of all schools having solar panels by April.
Eco-schools
As part of the programme, pupils across the trust will learn about renewable energy through solar-themed assemblies, workshops and classroom projects.
They will be given regular updates showing how much energy is being generated at each school and will watch live-streamed maintenance visits as the panels are serviced.
Carol Dewhurst, chief executive at the Bradford Diocesan Academies Trust, said: “I am thrilled to see our solar panels being installed across our schools this term, which is just one piece of the puzzle in our mission towards net zero.
“Together, each of our academies has made the commitment to become eco-schools and I am so proud to be leading a trust that is working to better our planet whilst teaching pupils the importance of sustainability.”
Ann Flaherty, UK director at Solar for Schools, said: “Getting solar onto school roofs empowers students.
"It helps them realise they can do something locally to reduce carbon, and that’s helping nationally to meet targets, which helps to globally reduce our emissions."
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