Campaign for schools to save energy - and money

GO GREEN is the message being sent out to Somerset schools, as part of a new campaign. The scheme means that, in future, village schools in Cheddar, Shipham and Wedmore could have solar panels on the roofs, a new energy module taught at various key stages, educating children on how to 'go green', recycling facilities at the school, energy committees with staff and pupil members who discuss energy efficiency tactics and energy monitors who are responsible for switching un-used lights off. Somerset Schools Energy Action is aiming to cut energy waste and improve energy efficiency. The plans involve creating a new energy module into the curriculum and installing solar panels on roofs. Councillor Paul Buchanan, who is responsible for economic development, at Somerset County Council said: "This campaign will help every school in Somerset save money while they save energy. "There are 283 schools in the county, and making every school as energy efficient as possible will have a big impact on the work that Somerset County Council is doing to reduce carbon emissions."At meetings held in Bridgwater and Yeovil, school representatives were given information on climate change, energy consumption and funding for the projects. The schools invited, including Wedmore First School and Kings of Wessex School in Cheddar, were urged to reduce energy consumption in order to gain Eco School status. Milverton Primary School was the first to achieve the status in Somerset, and representatives from the school were at the meeting to advise Sedgemoor schools on the resources available. A spokesman for Somerset County Council said: "A resources and presentation CD is being produced and will be sent out to schools to use as a tool to reduce energy consumption. "The schools who came along were very interested in the presentations by Somerset Waste Action Partnership (SWAP).