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St Mary's Catholic College in Wallasey has completed a significant programme of renewable energy and efficiency works designed to reduce energy costs and lower carbon emissions.
According to Birkenhead News, the programme involved the installation of a new 279 kWp solar photovoltaic system, expected to generate more than 246,000 kWh of electricity annually. Based on calculations of how much electricity the school currently uses, the system could save more than £50,000 a year.
As well as solar panels, around 900 light fixtures across the school were upgraded to energy-efficient LED lights. It's nowhere near the savings of the solar panels, but it is expected to save £27,000 a year in costs.
Both projects secured more than £334,000 in grant funding through Great British Energy and the Department for Education's net zero accelerator programme. The lighting upgrade is funded through the wider DfE Net Zero Accelerator Programme.
The investment will drastically reduce the school's energy consumption and carbon emissions. Of course, it'll also save lots of money, benefiting the school in the long run by allowing it to use the savings on other projects. Specifically, the money will be reinvested into teaching and learning resources.
Mr Kevin Maddocks, headteacher of St Mary's Catholic College, said in a statement: "This investment is more than just reducing energy bills; it is about creating a more sustainable future for our school while ensuring we can continue to invest in the education and wellbeing of our students."
The headteacher thanked the Great British Energy Solar PV Partnership and the Department for Education's Net Zero Accelerator Programme.
St Mary's Catholic College is a member of the Holy Family Catholic Multi Academy Trust. CEO of the Trust, Mr Andy Moor, said: "Sustainability is a key priority for our Trust, and this project shows how we are turning that commitment into real change. By investing in renewable energy and efficiency measures, we are reducing our carbon footprint and strengthening the long-term position of the school."
