Ysgol Crud y Werin at Aberdaron is now generating its own electricity after 15 solar panels were installed on the school’s roof as part of a Gwynedd Council environmental scheme.
This exciting development has double benefits – as part of the Council’s Carbon Management Plan the school is cutting energy use from traditional sources and reducing its carbon footprint; also the children are learning about new technologies and alternative energy through the county’s Green Schools Scheme.
Alan Wyn Jones, Ysgol Crud y Werin head teacher, said: “The solar panels were put up over a week ago and can generate 4kw of electricity. There is a screen in the school reception which shows how much electricity is being generated and when the sun comes out we can see it shoot up.
“From the very beginning, the children have taken a great interest in the idea of generating our own power. During maths lessons they have been studying detailed figures regarding the savings we could make on electricity bills by investing in these panels and they have been learning about how electricity is generated during their science lessons.”
As part of the Green Schools Scheme, schools across the county have been learning about energy saving, pollution prevention, reducing waste, being economical with natural resources, thinking of the environment and considering green ways of travelling.
Mr Jones added: “The school has been searching for differing ways of being more energy efficient for some time, and we have been very fortunate to have the help and guidance of specialist energy consultant Roy Milnes, who lives locally. He has been to the school to speak to the children and they have learnt a lot from him.”
Councillor Gareth Roberts, Gwynedd Council’s senior environment portfolio leader, said: “The Green Schools Scheme is a Council programme aimed at promoting green and clean living. Ad a Council, we also have a target of reducing carbon emissions from all Council building by 30% by 2014/15.
“I’m delighted to see these two excellent projects come together at Ysgol Crud y Werin. It’s a win-win situation – we are reducing the school’s carbon footprint, saving money on energy bills and teaching the children about respecting and protecting the environment.”
