As part of Greater Manchester Combined Authority’s (GMCA) Powering Our Schools project, Barker were appointed Owner’s Engineer to support schools and help drive programme delivery.
Launched in 2022, the aim of Powering Our Schools is to help schools add solar PV to their buildings, in turn helping the region’s push to be carbon neutral by 2038.
The programme is well underway with five Greater Manchester schools – Worthington Primary in Trafford, Longsight Community Primary, St Augustine’s Primary, St Paul’s C of E Primary and Unity Community Primary in Manchester now powered by solar. Saving around £40,000 a year on energy bills and reducing harmful carbon released into the air by about 40 tonnes each year.
GMCA’s current portfolio consists of 35 schools, of which 5 have started running on solar power. GMCA is currently developing the next phase of the programme. Schools interested in taking part are encouraged to express interest HERE.
Edwin O’Connell, Partner and Sustainability Lead at Barker, said, “The Powering Our Schools project is a fantastic opportunity for Greater Manchester schools to accelerate their sustainability goals.
Through a process of collective purchase, this scheme will drive economies of scale, greater accountability, value for money and long-term impact in the education sector. The environmental and financial benefits of solar PV are immense.”
“The Powering Our Schools project is a fantastic opportunity for Greater Manchester schools to accelerate their sustainability goals.”
As Owners’ Engineers, Barker will continue supporting GMCA, Local Authorities and Academy Trusts with an end-to-end service from pre-contract surveys, conceptual design, and procurement through to project delivery of the solar installations.
Greater Manchester is adopting an ambitious approach to climate action. Powering Our Schools is just one of the many initiatives forming part of its five-year environmental plan to encourage the community to take action by making better choices, investing in and embracing more sustainable practices.
Barker is proud to be a part of this ambitious programme and support its delivery successfully.
Read the announcements in the press:
Sale Moor Primary School is the first in Trafford to get rooftop solar panels under new scheme
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