Rural Whitfield school set to blaze a green trail

Sep 29 2009 by Amy Hunt, The Journal

A SCHOOL is set to become the first in Northumberland to go carbon neutral.

Whitfield Church of England Voluntary Aided First School has installed a raft of renewable energy measures.

The school’s new wind turbine and solar photovoltaic panels will collectively generate more than 10 megawatts of electricity a year.

Power generated on site will then be used as efficiently as possible, thanks to a ground source heat pump capable of converting every unit of electricity into three to four units of useable heat. Any surplus electricity will be exported back into the National Grid.

The measures form part of a £450,000 programme of refurbishment and extension, which will cut the school’s running costs and save more than 14 tonnes in carbon emissions each year.

The scheme also incorporates improved use of natural lighting in the school, with levels of thermal insulation which far exceed the standards set by building regulations. Non-toxic, recycled and locally sourced materials are being used throughout the school.

A new extension will boast a living sedum roof, transforming the 250-year old school into a pioneering green beacon. Headteacher Liz Baker said: “This project will transform the learning environment, providing the children with a space which is stimulating, warm and welcoming. The learning areas will be flooded with natural light and very economical to run.