November 18, 2005
General News

Schools get wind turbine kits to generate interest in renewable energy – Back to local government

The city’s branch of engineering and design firm Arup is donating the kits to the four schools being built under the first wave of private finance initiative funding – Henbury, Portway, Monks Park and Bedminster Down.
The tool kits, which convert wind energy into electricity, include turbine kits with metering to measure output and various energy-use boxes. They come with lesson plans.

The first presentation was made to a Year Nine science class with head of science Rebecca Davis at Henbury School today (Friday, November 18).

Rebecca Davis said: "The science department at Henbury are very grateful to Arup for the opportunity to share with our students the this exciting piece of equipment.

"We are constantly looking at innovative ways to inform our students about new advances in environmental technology.  The wind turbine kit will provide us with an excellent practical approach to show renewable energy in action in the classroom."

The teaching aid ties in with a number of sustainable elements within the newly-built school which opened in September.

These features include classrooms making maximum use of a natural ventilation system and natural light penetration, which saves energy and improves the quality of the learning environment.

Newly planted trees and shrubs will provide habitat for wildlife and the playing fields have been re-laid with a sustainable urban drainage scheme – a design response to climate change.

Tim Thorne from Arup’s sustainability group said: "Our role as engineering consultants for the new schools and many other projects, affords us an excellent opportunity to influence and shape a better world.

"Towards this goal, we are delighted to provide these renewable energy kits. We understand that the demonstration of exciting renewable energy applications can assist towards an awareness and grasping of sustainability and the need to reduce carbon dioxide emissions.

"We are confident that their use in the classrooms will provide this knowledge through fun and interactive experimentation for future generations."

Councillor Jos Clark, executive member for children’s services, said: "It’s fantastic that businesses are teaming up with these exciting new schools to promote sustainable energy sources.

"The more children are aware about environmental issues and alternative energy, the better things will look for the future."

Further presentations to Portway, Bedminster Down and Monks Park schools are expected to take place next year.

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URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2005/11/18/459/