A primary school is set for a greener future after renewable energy works were put in place and delivered by Energist Solutions following a grant of more than £100k.
Until recently, Woodland Primary School in Teesdale relied on an oil-fired boiler for both heating and hot water. The school was identified by Durham County Council for the Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme (PSDS) phase 2 funding, as the single boiler was towards the end of its useful life.
Energist Solutions carried out the initial feasibility study for the project and in April 2021, the council’s low carbon team secured grant funding under the PSDS to replace the oil-fired heating with a low carbon solution to reduce energy consumption and produce some renewable energy on-site.
Grant funding via the Department for Business Energy and Industrial Strategy and Salix Finance saw £113k provided from the PSDS towards the scheme’s total £122k cost. The remaining £9k was funded from the council’s Invest to Save budget.
The installation of the Air Source Heat Pump system has reduced the schools fuel consumption by some 20% and in turn reduced carbon emissions and provided much needed cost savings.
Woodland Primary School is now the lowest carbon emitting school in County Durham. Director of Energist Solutions Kenneth Tiffin said; “We are proud to have worked alongside Durham County Council Carbon on such a great scheme while raising awareness within the community. Emissions of 22.1 tonnes per year have now been reduced to 4.9 and this figure will continue to reduce with time as the electricity grid is further decarbonised”.
Woodland Primary School headteacher Clare Carr said: “This has been a very exciting development and has engaged the children with the topics of climate change, carbon reduction and their role and influence in the future of their school, County Durham and the wider world.”
Cllr Mark Wilkes, the council’s Cabinet member for neighbourhoods and climate change, added: “The contractors have worked through the coronavirus pandemic, which has been challenging, while the enthusiastic team at the school has embraced the concept and supported our low carbon team.”
“I was particularly impressed with the children at the school. They have learnt so much about energy and protecting the environment because of this project. This demonstrates what is possible within 12 months of funding being granted and showcases how similar schemes can be rolled out across County Durham.”
