Leeds schools go green

12.00.00am BST (GMT +0100) Fri 9th Oct 2009

Schools in North West Leeds have signed up to a new project to help save energy.

The Green Check Energy Savers Project run by Groundwork Leeds is helping schools to reduce their carbon emissions and become more environmentally friendly.

Schools are being supported by the North West Outer Area Committee who have financed the initiative to the tune of £9,500.

School managers are to be given guidance on how to save and monitor energy use and students will receive workshops and assemblies about saving energy at school and at home. A strong focus will be placed on energy monitoring over the next two years which will paint an accurate picture of change in energy use through different seasons.

Schools contribute 15% of carbon emissions from public sector buildings nationally and in Leeds make up almost 60% of the council's energy bills. Therefore targeting schools to help them become more energy efficient and monitor energy use can have a massive impact on the amount of carbon emitted by council buildings.

Cllr James Monaghan Executive Board Member for Environment said:

"This is a great new project. By monitoring the schools we will be able to see how effectively they are reducing their carbon emissions and lowering energy bills.

"This service is available to all schools in Leeds and I hope as many as possible get involved."

Cllr Chris Townsley (Lib Dem, Horsforth, Outer North West Area Committee Chair) said:

"The schools in our area should be commended for their enthusiasm for this project. I know Groundwork have been working with the schools for a few years now, teaching how they can become more sustainable and this is the next step.

"It's not just about reducing energy bills but also about young people learning about climate change and taking their knowledge home with them."