Sandwich Technology School

We've worked with Sandwich Technology School to help it reduce carbon emissions and develop more sustainable ways of providing energy to its classrooms. The specialist technology school, which provides education to boys and girls aged between 11 and 18 years, was also looking to engage its pupils about climate change, its impact on society, and how it can be tackled.

We visited the school and conducted an assessment of its needs and the site itself. After careful consideration, we decided that a wind turbine to generate power and provide a visual focal point around which lessons could be taught would be most appropriate solution.

The turbine, which was installed in February 2008, stands 15m tall and generates power when the wind passes over its blades, spinning a shaft and driving a small generator. It's estimated that the wind turbine will generate around 8,700 kilowatt hours each year, based on an estimated average wind speed of 4.8 metres per second. We estimate that carbon dioxide emissions from the school will be reduced by over five tonnes each year.

As part of the solution we also installed an energy display system that shows how much energy the school is consuming, how much it's generating and how much carbon dioxide the school is saving. The school will also have access to Sustainable Energy Educate, an education programme developed in line with the National Curriculum, supporting Key Stages 1 to 4.

Richard Wallis, Headteacher at Sandwich said:"The wind turbine has become a real talking point among teachers and students here at Sandwich. I'm delighted that there has been so much interest in the project and it will really help pupils understand more about the different types of renewable energy that are cleaner than fossil fuel power. In addition, the project has saved us a substantial amount of money and will help deliver us on our strong commitment to create a more sustainable way of living."

As an approved supplier under the Government's Low Carbon Buildings Programme Phase 2, Sandwich School applied for a grant and received £9,000 towards the cost of purchasing and installing its turbine.