Bright pupils generating clever energy-saving ideas

The energy savings achieved by Scoil Cholmcille from work on its second flag have been considerable.

Electricity usage has been cut by 400 units every two months, equivalent to almost €100 per bill or over €500 a year.

The initiatives to get those savings include a yearly Switch It Off week, reminding all classes about the importance of not leaving lights, computers, and other electrical equipment on when classrooms are empty, or that lights are not necessary during fine bright weather.

In addition, moving from oil to gas heating, including a highly-efficient boiler, has helped save another €450 annually.

James Collins, a fifth class Green Schools committee member, said they can save a lot of electricity because it has been sunnier than last year.

Shay Slavin said that he has taken the lessons he has learned from Green Schools home with him.

“I told them things about recycling and fossil fuels, because some of my family don’t understand about fossil fuels,” he said.

Many of the boys have come up with ideas for innovations.

Craig Sweeney has been inspired by the mechanics of a dynamo that keeps the light on when a bicycle is in motion. “When you put your foot on the pedal, pressing down on the pedal, it would be something that would keep on recycling the energy.”

Sean Kennedy suggests that, during heavy storms, an underground device could be made to harness the energy from lightning hitting the ground. He believes it might only work in parts of Australia, although some of our recent weather might make it equally viable here.