10 church schools in Bath and Wells are undergoing major works to upgrade their lighting system as part of a commitment to reducing their carbon footprint. It’s estimated the move will not only save the schools a combined 45.93 KW in the first year alone, it will also save them around £18,963.
Earlier in the year the diocesan education department undertook a study of its capital projects with a view to schools becoming more carbon neutral. It led to the decision to ring fence 25% of the budget to carryout energy efficient projects.
Claire Hudson, School Buildings Officer says, “As a result of the diocesan environmental policy and the government's commitment to decarbonising public sector buildings, we made a decision in 2020 that we would ring-fence 25% of the funding we receive to deliver environmentally friendly projects. This is the first big set of projects done with that ring-fenced money.”
What followed was a major lighting survey which identified that upgrading the lighting systems in schools would save a lot of energy, with the added bonus, of long-term cost savings. The project, due to be completed in August, has been carried out at Kilmersdon, Cutcombe, Worlebury St Pauls, South Petherton, St Johns, Knights Templar, Timberscombe, St Benedicts in Glastobury, Chewton Mendip Primary and Burrington, at a cost of £252,400. Over 10 years the energy reduction created by the lighting changes will have saved more than 270 trees and around 167.85 of C02, which is the same as 1,398.750 km travelled by car.
Kilmersdon is one of the schools where work on the lighting system is already underway. Headteacher Stephen Bamford says,
“Our School Council are really keen to raise awareness of environmental issues in our school and community. Alongside recycling projects and environmental activities, they also want our building to be as energy efficient as possible. We have been thinking about our Christian Values and have come to the decision to add RESPECT to termly values focus over the year. Respecting others and the environment is so important to us all.
“The pupils are really excited to see that we are going to be able to have improved lighting over the whole site. Not only will this add to the quality of experience in our learning through improved lighting, but also demonstrate that as a school and with our Diocese, we are determined to reduce our carbon footprint and help the environment and community in every way we can.”