Since the Alban City School opened in 2011, the leadership team have taken the issue of the impact the school has on the environment as a key component of its operating model. The school’s Green Procurement Policy ‘aim(s) to be resource efficient, climate friendly and socially responsible to reduce our carbon footprint’. In recognition of the efforts of the governors and management team, in 2023 the school was awarded the Green Flag Award with Distinction.
Earlier this year the next stage in their environmental impact strategy took place with the installation of 84 solar panels (PV) with the potential to generate 35.7 kWp across the recently upgraded flat roof of the school buildings. It is anticipated that the PV array will substantially reduce the reliance on grid power. Gordon Baisley, the Alban City School Eco Link Governor reports: “I’d expect we’ll be a net exporter at points, particularly weekends during the warmer months of the year and the summer holidays”.
Visitors to the school can see the impact the solar panels are having on reducing reliance on the national grid by looking at the energy dashboard screen set up in reception. The public can see the dashboard of the school’s energy consumption here: –https://monitoringpublic.solaredge.com/solaredge-web/p/kiosk?guid=3e1dd79a-3d00-44e9-a45a-0414ebe445d4
Understandably, the school is proud of its solar project. The money to make this happen came from school funds and generous donations from parents and local businesses. However, it is the latest initiative in a programme of activities that the school has run since it opened. In 2017/18 the school upgraded all its lights to LEDs. This reduced the electricity use from lighting by around 80% and its total electricity use by around 40%. You can read more about the sustainability ethos of Alban City School here: – https://albancityschool.org.uk/about-us/ethos-aims/
Looking ahead, there is still the matter of space heating and replacing the old gas boiler. This will be an expensive transition and local sponsors would be welcomed. Today parents and supporters of the school’s efforts have the option to plant trees in the school’s grove, which offsets the impact of gas usage.
If you want to know more about the school’s environmental impact strategy contact:- admin@albancityschool.herts.sch.uk