We are very pleased that the Trust has begun installing solar panels on 17 of our schools as part of a sustainability campaign to work towards carbon net zero and reduce reliance on fossil fuels
We are committed to promoting sustainability across the Bradford community. Pupils are working alongside school and trust leaders and have set up trust-wide Eco Committees to develop environmental goals and shape the Trust’s sustainability strategy. This includes the installation of solar panels and all schools working towards achieving an Eco Schools Green Flag award.
Two of our academies, Clayton St John on Bradford Road and The Academy at St James on Chelwood Drive in Allerton, have already begun solar panel installation earlier this month. The remaining schools will start installations over the course of this term with the aim of all schools having solar panels by April this year. 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.
The solar panels will be capable of generating between 25 and 490 kilowatts of energy, depending on the capacity of the panels on each school, for a total of 2,255 kilowatts across the whole trust. For example, at maximum efficiency The Academy at St James’ panels will be able to generate 135 kilowatts of energy which would account for 60 per cent of the school’s annual electricity usage and save 26 tonnes of CO2 per year. This will both help the planet as well as reduce energy costs. The money saved will then be reinvested back into the education provision at each school.
As part of the sustainability programme, pupils across the Trust will learn first hand about solar renewable energy. This will include live online updates showcasing how much energy is being generated at each school each week in addition to live-streamed maintenance visits for pupils to watch and learn as the panels on their school are serviced. Pupils will also benefit from solar-themed assemblies, workshops and classroom projects designed to explore solar energy via experiments.
Carol Dewhurst, Trust Chief Executive, 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.
“Environmental sustainability is an important value to instil in our young people, which is why we at BDAT work to empower our pupils to be responsible, conscious and caring citizens by reducing negative environmental impacts. We want all children to have a bright and happy future, which is why it is also essential to equip them with the green skills and knowledge needed for the future workforce, starting within each school setting.”
Pupils from East Morton CE Primary School’s Eco-Committee, said:
“Having an eco-committee is important because we can motivate others to be eco-friendly, like when we ran a walk to school week we got everyone involved in the challenge. It’s good when everyone gets involved to make the world a better place. There’s an impact on the community too, I’ve noticed less litter around the school. It’s good to have children leading things, the children now are going to have an impact on the future. For example we planted trees to make our orchard but it might be the next generation who will benefit. We are just more aware now, doing eco-friendly things without even thinking.”
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. By working closely with the schools, we’re empowering young people to explore these ideas and have a say in their future and in what it’s going to look like.”