Schools look to reduce energy bill

Donal Hickey previews the SEI 2008 Energy Show.

WE’VE been hearing a lot recently about a lack of funding in general for the education system, but schools could reduce their fuel bills substantially through better use of energy. There’s a primary school in the North, for instance, which can generate its own electricity using a wind turbine installed in the grounds.

People who remember when turf fires heated classrooms truly step into a different world when they visit schools designed in the 21st century. Since 1998 the Department of Education has been using the DART process — design, awareness, research and technology — to make schools energy efficient. Schools built in line with the guidelines can be 2.3 times more energy efficient, according to the department.