London’s draughty, energy-wasting schools will undergo huge makeovers in order cut carbon emissions and save £32million.
Currently, it is thought nearly 80% of the capital's carbon emissions come from buildings, including schools and a new retro-fitting programme hopes to stop 125,000 tonnes of carbon entering London’s air.
RE:FIT Schools Energy Efficiency Programme is the first major programme to address energy efficiency in schools and is targeting London’s schools, including academies, over three years from 2013 - 2016.
Schools will have access to interest free loans which will allow them to insulate their walls, install biomass boilers and other energy saving devices.
The programme was launched by London Mayor Boris Johnson who said: “Making London schools more energy efficient not only saves money and protects the environment it also boosts the economy and creates jobs – an A*-grade idea in anyone’s book. This programme is the perfect opportunity for schools to transform their energy use and help make London the greenest big city in the world.”
The RE: FIT programme has already been implemented by some schools in London with great results. Pinner Wood school in Pinner, who took part in the Mayor’s RE: FIT scheme run by Harrow council, had new boilers fitted, the lighting upgraded and had a new temperature control system installed.
Deb Spruce, Pinner Wood school’s head teacher said: “The whole project ran very smoothly and was very well organised. Since we have made the upgrades our school’s energy use has dropped significantly, meaning we will save money which can be diverted to other things for the school. We also don’t have any cold spots around the school like we used to. It has been a really positive experience and I would really recommend it to others.”
Schools Minister David Laws said: “The RE:FIT programme is an excellent way for London schools to be greener and save money by being more energy efficient. It means they can allocate more of their funding to the frontline – on excellent teachers and resources to raise standards for young people.”
