Energy efficient equipment in 10 schools will make estimated savings of £35,000 a year and eliminate more than 200 tonnes of carbon dioxide.
As part of its award-winning carbon management plan, the council has improved the insulation and boiler controls in a number of schools across East Sussex — including Ratton, Willingdon Community School, Eastbourne Technology College and Highfield Ju
nior Schools.
This brings another contribution to its target to reduce its carbon dioxide footprint by 14 per cent between 2001 and 2009, and will help to cut school energy bills.
The county council has been recognised in the past for its commitment to reduce the impact that its energy use has on the environment by being 'highly commended' — and a winner in the government-sponsored South East Renewable Energy Awards over the last two years.
Using money won from the European Union's INTERREG III programme, the council has been able to boost how much it has invested in energy efficiency and renewable energy projects by more than £100,000 in the last few years.
Deputy leader Tony Reid said, "Helping schools to become more energy efficient is a win-win situation: it cuts school running costs and contributes to our carbon management plan.
"It's also an example to our school students that small changes can make a difference when it comes to efforts to reduce our carbon footprint.
"As a community leader, this additional investment reflects our commitment to the environment and our continued efforts to reduce the environmental impact of our energy use.
"We intend to continue our investment in energy efficiency measures to reduce the adverse effect of our activities on the environment.
"In fact this year we will incorporate further energy and water efficiency measures in our buildings using £125,000 made available in this year's budget and a grant of a similar sum we have successfully bid for from Salix, a specialist financial institution set up by the Carbon Trust."
