Introduction
The approach to Eco Schools activity at Maidensbridge Primary School recognises the whole school community has an important role to play in using resources for the benefit of future generations. The school take a holistic approach to reducing their environmental impact through the involvement of pupils and support for behavioural change. Information gained was used across the curriculum to enhance the learning experience for all pupils.
What was involved
Maidensbridge appointed a dedicated leader to co-ordinate the Green Flag application to ensure that criteria were filled and that the children were constantly involved in the planning, implementation and evaluation of tasks. Members of the School Council collect evidence and keep accurate records. The approach to EcoSchool tackles the issues of energy monitoring, the installation of energy efficient ICT equipment and the dissemination of energy saving messages to motivate staff and pupils to take action.
Energy Monitoring
Reading the gas, electricity and water meters have been routine at school since 2007; the meter readings are displayed on the school eco board so the usage can be shared with the whole school. The information from the meter reading is used to monitor the trends in the schools energy and water use.
Energy Efficient ICT
The school has liaised with Dudley MBC to enable the school computers to be automatically turned off at 4.30pm every day to save energy. A card reader has been installed in the ICT Suite and a card issued to each class. The card is placed into the reader when the class enter the room and the electricity is then supplied to the computers, when the class leave the room, the computers are logged-off and when the card is removed, electricity is no longer supplied to the computers, therefore ensuring no energy is wasted by 30 computers being left on unnecessarily.
Energy Saving Messages
Messages to motivate pupils and teachers to take simple steps to save energy are communicated through regular school assemblies to remind pupils to turn lights and computers off. The assemblies also remind teachers to work with the site manager to regulate the temperature inside the school buildings to reduce heating bills.
The profile of energy saving messages is also kept high through regular activities in the school; the pupils designed posters that are placed above light switches to remind everyone to turn lights off. The posters have simple messages on them such as “Do you really need the lights on?” Light monitors have been appointed and their role is to turn lights off in empty classrooms to reduce energy costs.
Outcomes
The school has consistently reduced their Energy Performance certificate from 2008 to 2010 to recognise improvements in the schools energy efficiency. Maidensbridge Primary School were awarded their second Eco Schools Green Flag in June 2011 by the Keep Britain Tidy Group to recognise their commitment to energy saving. http://www.keepbritaintidy.org/ecoschools/school?id=9062
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