Turbines can play important role in Eco-Schools and  Sustainable Schools Programmes

10th February 2009 – Speaking at an open day for schools at Sandwich Technology School (STS) today, Claus Jacobsen of Iskra Wind Turbines called for schools to act now and take advantage of grants for wind turbines available through the Low Carbon Buildings Programme Phase 2 (LCBP2).

Schools can claim 50 percent of the costs of installing and commissioning a wind turbine under the LCBP2, but only have until June 2009 to complete their applications. The process is not arduous and Iskra’s distributor Segen provides hands-on support to make sure that the online applications are completed successfully. LCBP2 commits to giving a decision on online applications for less than £100,000 in under seven working days.

The open day was organised by Iskra and Segen, to give Kent Eco-Schools coordinators and officers an opportunity to see the Iskra AT5-1 turbine in action and understand how it plays an active role in science and geography lessons at STS. Information on CO2 saved, total and current energy produced by the turbine is incorporated into lesson plans.

If you are interested in attending future Segen/Iskra School open days please call Liz or Sam on 01524 590 590.

Commenting on the grant opportunity, Claus Jacobsen, Iskra Wind Turbines, says:

“With so many schools active in the Eco-Schools and Sustainable Schools programmes, and UK schools spending £100 million a year on electricity, a wind turbine makes both educational and economic sense. But schools are in danger of missing out on grants if they do not start the application process as soon as possible.”

Educational benefits

Wind turbines can play a valuable role in the study of renewable energy in the school curriculum particularly in science, geography and technology where the study of energy supply, the costs of that energy and the design of the turbine are all relevant.

A wind turbine can often form part of the Eco-Schools programme, being a step towards the reduction of the overall environmental impact of a school and contributing to the Sustainable Schools framework.

The Government has identified eight doorways to being a Sustainable School by 2020. One of these doorways - Energy and Water – recommends that all schools “are models of energy efficiency, renewable energy and water conversations, showcasing opportunities such as wind, solar and biomass energy, insulation, rainwater harvesting and grey water recycling to everyone who uses the school”.

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Notes for editors:

Evance is a supplier of renewable energy systems. It makes an advanced wind turbine for the ‘small wind’ market - for example, for homes, schools, and farms (as opposed to the ‘big wind’ market of commercial wind farms or roof mounted turbines - micro wind).

The AT5-1 (now R9000) advanced wind turbine can produce 9000KWh (units) per year at an average wind speed of 11 miles per hour, enough to provide electricity for two average homes.

Iskra turbines use sophisticated technology and design to make them the most efficient and cost-effective small wind turbines on the market. Evance spent five years on research and development before manufacturing its first wind turbine in 2004. The turbines are manufactured in the UK with all parts sourced in the UK. 
 

For more information please contact:

Richard Houghton/Kate Hartley

Carrot Communications

Tel: 07803 178 037

Email: Richard.houghton@carrotcomms.co.uk