Windy Old Weather

Wind power at Beaumont County Primary School, Hadleigh, Suffolk

"The children love their new school and have quickly taken on board the whole concept of renewable energy. The building provides a stimulating environment that really helps the quality of the children's learning. The pupills who pass through Beaumont School take with them a real enthusiasm for renewable energy. We’re sure they will use the understanding they have gained to improve their future lives and the lives of those around them." Stella Burton, Headteacher

Wind turbine installed August 2003 Cost £27,000 Estimated annual energy saving £800 p/a Amount of grant £10,801

The school uses several renewable energy sources to contribute to the electrical and heating demands of the building, making the new school building more sustainable and reducing its environmental impact. The most visible energy-producing feature is the wind turbine, part funded by a grant from the Clear Skies initiative (funds from the Department of Trade and Industry), in a matched funding arrangement with Suffolk County Council's education department.

Power from the skies

Up to 6kW of electricity is generated by the wind turbine. On an average day enough electricity is produced to run all the computers in the CT Suite. A further 1kW of electricity is produced by a number of photovoltaic (PV) modules mounted on the specially sloped roof. These collect energy from the sun and convert it to electricity. They were also partly funded by a grant from the DTI and produce enough power to run the lights in two classrooms.

Electricity from these two sources feeds directly into the school's electrical system - reducing demand from the national grid. When more electricity is generated than is needed, the surplus is sold back to the grid - reducing the school's running costs. Heat throughout the school is distributed via under-floor heating. This uses water at a lower temperature than conventional radiators.

Using the rain

Part of the roof is covered in sedum plants and the rest is a rainwater recovery system, the water is stored in underground tanks and reduces the school's use of mains water. This water is filtered and used to flush the toilets. Drinking water is provided in the conventional way. The energy efficiency measures are expected to reduce emissions of CO2 to the atmosphere by about 8 tonnes a year compared to a conventional school of similar size. In addition, the schools' running costs will be much lower.

Opportunities for teaching and learning

A school is the ideal place to provide this kind of living example of science working with the environment, creating opportunities for children to see and learn about sustainable technologies.