Our Environment
Wey Valley Solar Schools Energy Co-operative
The College is fully committed to this initiative which has enabled the installation of solar panels on the Sports Centre and a classroom block. These panels provide the opportunity to reduce carbon emissions by up to twenty tonnes per year. The College receives half the elecricity generated free of charge and will be able to buy any further electricity generated at wholesale price.
Display panels linked to the panels will enable college managers and students to monitor energy output on a real-time basis.
10:10 Climate Change Commitment
The College has signed up to the government's target to reduce carbon emissions by 10%. Our aim is to make a positive reduction in the following areas:
Electricity consumption – by 758 tonnes of CO2 emissions per year (cost £153,000)
Gas consumption – by 245 tonnes of CO2 emissions per year (cost £40,000)
Car journeys and parking
Litter
Paper collection bins in all classrooms and other key areas - around 2 cubic metres collected per week;
Collection bins for bottles and cans - around 2000 cans/plastic bottles per week. Bins provided (sponsored) by college caterers (Aramark Ltd.) and Coca Cola;
Cardboard Collection - around 4 cubic metres collected per week;
Collection points for printer cartridges (charity collection), batteries & light tubes;
Rolling programme to upgrade lighting to energy efficient system;
Car sharing initiative for students;
Cycle to Work Scheme (6 staff have taken this up so far) and facilities on campus for showers and bike and clothing storage;
‘Powersave’ software – switches off PC’s idle for over 30 minutes;
Active Environment Committee (staff and student reps);
Member of Eco Schools initiative – striving to achieve Gold Standard;
Environmental Policy with action plan and regular monitoring;
Carbon Trust Report December 2009 - action (with priority and projected costs/payback) identified.
