OVERVIEW
Whiteknights Primary School, part of the Bellevue Place Education Trust, is a primary academy located in the Earley area of Reading. Selected as one of 25 schools to participate in the Net Zero Accelerator Pathfinder, the school aimed to reduce energy consumption, carbon emissions, and operational costs through various sustainability initiatives.
THE BRIEF
The primary goal was to enhance the school’s energy efficiency and sustainability. The project involved upgrading the existing Solar PV system, optimising heating controls, and installing EV chargers.
THE CHALLENGES
The project faced several challenges, including limited billing information and the absence of a monitoring platform for the existing Solar PV system. Additionally, the school’s gas boilers, though in fair condition, were not slated for replacement due to budget constraints. Barker addressed these issues by prioritising interventions that offered the most significant impact and aligning them with the school’s capital plan.
THE OUTCOME
The interventions led to substantial improvements in energy efficiency and sustainability. The installation of a new 19 kWp Solar PV system is expected to generate 16,170 kWh annually, saving approximately 3 tonnes of carbon and £3,251 in costs. The optimisation of heating controls resulted in an 8% reduction in gas use.
The school’s engagement in behaviour change initiatives further supported these efforts, leading to a comprehensive Climate Action Plan and active participation in sustainability programs.
Feedback from the school has been overwhelmingly positive, highlighting the project’s success in creating a more sustainable and cost-effective environment.
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