Government Encouraging Carbon Neutral Schools

Schools across the country will be implementing some big, energy efficient changes thanks to the latest Government drive to help children understand climate change issues.

Measures such as solar panels, double glazing windows, wind turbines, and insulation will be added to schools to help students understand just how energy is used and saved. Children will be able to see on smart meters just which areas use the greatest amounts of energy.

The ultimate aim is for schools to become carbon neutral, thanks to high levels of energy efficiency that will be provided with these measures. Students will also be encouraged to think carefully about any energy they are using themselves, and asked to turn of appliances.

Schools will also need to generate their own heat and power through a number of measures, including wood chip boilers, solar panels, and wind turbines. High levels of insulation mean that generated power will stay inside the school building, and the need for heating will be greatly reduced.

It is thought that there will be 36 carbon neutral schools across the country by 2016 – four in each region to help provide an example to nearby schools. With schools responsible for around two percent of the total carbon emissions in the UK, this could make a huge difference towards climate change.

Schools Secretary, Ed Balls, said that it is important that children are taught early about cutting down on carbon. They could help to save the planet for future generations.