Investing in a Sustainable Future

17th June 2021 – Tags: Sustainability

Major improvements have taken place at Great Wyrley Academy and across the Windsor Academy Trust family of schools in an ongoing commitment to reducing environmental impact and creating a more sustainable future.

The work included installing solar panels, upgrading to LED lighting, fitting double glazed windows, improving insulation, and upgrading energy management and monitoring systems. These improvements reduce the reliance on non-renewable energy sources and significantly improve energy efficiencies. 

Just over £2m has been invested at schools across the Windsor Academy Trust family as part of a successful bid by the Trust to the Public Sector Decarbonisation Schee (PSDS) and funding through School Condition Allocation funding.

The PSDS is a government grant for public sector bodies to fund heat decarbonisation and energy efficiency measures. Almost £60m was allocated to public sector organisations across the West Midlands through the scheme, with £6m awarded to schools. 

The work will have a significant environmental impact, reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 257 tonnes every year – the equivalent to powering 31 homes for one year.

Windsor Academy Trust is committed to a more sustainable future and leaving the world in a better place for future generations, aiming to reach net-zero carbon emissions by 2030. Sustainability and global current affairs are part of the curriculum, and this work builds on numerous existing sustainability initiatives, including Eco-Schools awards, active Forest School programmes and the reduction in the use of single-use plastic.

Keith Sorrell, Chief Executive Officer at Windsor Academy Trust, said:

“We are committed to reducing our environmental impact, and this work will go a significant way in helping us achieve our target to reach net-zero carbon emissions by 2030.

 

“The environment and sustainability are extremely important to our children and communities, and I am delighted that we have been able to invest in these improvements thanks to the hard work of our staff and partners.

 

“I am proud of the work that has and continues to take place across the Trust to leave the world in a better place for future generations”.

Ian Moreton, Headteacher at Great Wyrley Academy, added:

“I am delighted with the work that has taken place. Sustainability is part of our culture and the work builds on several existing environmental initiatives already established at Great Wyrley Academy, including our own Eco Club and our Forest School initiative. Windsor Academy Trust is leading the way to a sustainable future, and our school is proud to be part of the journey.”