Published on:
25
June 2002
Claremont Primary School has come out on top in the second annual Clackmannanshire School Energy Awards.
The committed effort of staff and pupils has resulted in a reduction in annual general electricity consumption of 18%. This is the second successive year that Claremont has recorded a reduction. They succeed Clackmannan Primary School as main overall winner of the awards, which are sponsored by Scottish Power.
Clackmannanshire Council's Director of Services to People, Dave Jones will present the school with a cash prize of £125 and a trophy at the end of year assembly. He said: "This is a fantastic achievement by all the staff and pupils. Their efforts have helped save money for the school and make an important contribution to protecting the environment."
Nine schools were recognised for reducing electricity consumption this year, with savings totalling £5,800. This is against a background of increasing use of IT equipment, and longer opening hours for some schools. Cash prizes were also awarded to Ladywell Nursery, Hillfoots Family Centre, and ABC Nursery and Kidzone, all who had shown second successive annual reductions. A special word of praise was also reserved for Lornshill Academy who recorded the largest individual reduction of 31,000 kWh, which is the equivalent of the electricity used in a primary school.
Clackmannanshire Council has also committed to reducing the emission of greenhouse gases through its electricity Supply Agreement with Scottish Power. 10% of all electricity is supplied from new renewable energy sources, which, in addition to the environmental benefits, are exempt from the Governments' Climate Change Levy, therefore saving the council an additional £3,500 per annum.
Councillor Donald Balsillie, Convener of the Enterprise and Environment Committee said: "We are delighted with this year's results. It's encouraging to see young children take such an interest in doing their bit for the environment. The knowledge and understanding of environmental issues gained in the early years will help them and the environment in the future."
The Council is currently looking to incorporate Photovoltaic panels into buildings which will generate electricity directly from sun light and introduce a rain water collection for sprinkling of the dry ski centre, which is presently done from mains water.
The Council is now reaping the benefits of significant investment in energy efficiency improvements. Gas consumption in Clackmannanshire schools is now 26% less than it was in the authorities inaugural year 1996/97, and electricity consumption has fallen by 8%.