SCHOOLS in Kingswinford and Halesowen have gone green thanks to £2m funding to install solar panels and other energy efficiency measures.
Seven Windsor Academy Trust schools have completed major improvements in an ongoing commitment to reducing environmental impact and creating a more sustainable future.
Just over £2m has been invested at Kingswinford Academy, Manor Way Primary Academy, Tenterfields Primary Academy and Windsor High School and Sixth Form in Halesowen as well as Cheslyn Hay Academy, Goldsmith Primary Academy, Walsall and Great Wyrley Academy, Walsall.
The cash came as part of a successful bid by the trust, which is based at Trinity Point, Halesowen, to the Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme.
Work included installing solar panels with the ability to generate 600,000 kWhrs of electricity per year, fitting LED lighting, installing double glazed windows, improving insulation and upgrading mechanical infrastructures, energy management and monitoring systems.
These improvements reduce the reliance on non-renewable energy sources and improve energy efficiencies.
Pic: Solar panels at Windsor High, Richmond Street, Halesowen.
Keith Sorrell, Chief Executive Officer at Windsor Academy Trust, said: “We are committed to reducing our environmental impact, and this work will go a significant way in helping us achieve our target to reach net-zero carbon emissions by 2035.
“The environment and sustainability are extremely important to our children and communities, and I am delighted that we have been able to invest in these improvements thanks to the hard work of our staff and partners.
“I am proud of the work that has and continues to take place across the trust to leave the world in a better place for future generations."
The scheme is a government grant for public sector bodies to fund heat decarbonisation and energy efficiency measures.
Almost £60m was allocated to public sector organisations across the West Midlands through the scheme, with £6m awarded to schools.
Windsor Academy Trust staff worked alongside technical advisors, Barker Associates and contractors Advanced Renewable Power Ltd, Amber Windows, Midland HVAC, Energys Group and EO Consult to successfully deliver the major capital projects.
The trust said sustainability and global current affairs are part of the curriculum and "this work builds on numerous existing sustainability initiatives, including Eco-Schools awards, active Forest School programmes and the reduction in the use of single-use plastic."
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