Support for Generation Green Programme

Schools urged to Join the
Green Energy Competiton
By Local AM

Carl Sargeant AM for Alyn & Deeside is urging local schools to take advantage of British Gas’ £15 million solar panel competition. All schools in the UK are eligible to put themselves forward to the company in order to win solar panels, worth between £20,000 and £40,000 each. Schools will need to demonstrate their sustainability credentials before winning the panels, which could cut as much as 20% off a school’s annual electricity bill.

In the competition 750 schools will receive free solar panels, with around half of the prizes going to schools in low income areas, as well as a free energy display meter. This is expected to help reduce energy consumption by a further 10-15%.

The competition comes from British Gas’s Generation Green programme, a 10,000 strong schools programme which rewards schools for green actions. Pupils earn “Green Leaves” for sustainable behaviour – supported through an online teaching hub - which can be redeemed against green prizes. Any winning “Solar Schools” will receive tailored lesson plans from the Generation Green online hub, allowing them to make the most of their new solar panels.

Schools can join the competition by filling in the application form on http://www.generationgreen.co.uk/solarpanels/

Judges will be looking at the school’s commitment to sustainability, its ability to engage and benefit the wider community and the overall originality of their entry. Schools can also provide any supporting material that might help demonstrate their commitment to sustainability. This could range from case studies, photos, videos, presentations, press cuttings or even petitions signed by the local community

Interested schools should apply by 22nd October. Following this, a short list of schools will be decided and winners will be announced in November.

Carl is urging as many schools in Alyn & Deeside to get involved as possible, saying:
“This is a great opportunity for local schools to show how green they are and make savings in their budgets at the same time. Generating their own electricity will be both interesting and exciting for students and I would urge any pupils and parents in the area who think their school will benefit to get involved.”