Brighton schools are setting a shining example for climate action, thanks to the innovative solar installations by Brighton & Hove Energy Services Co-op (BHESCo). Over the past decade, BHESCo has partnered with local investors and organisations to develop over 65 community energy projects, with several school-based solar installations leading the charge.
Take Brunswick Primary School, for instance. Since 2020, their 76kWp rooftop solar PV system has been saving them an impressive £12,600 annually while preventing 66.7 tonnes of CO₂ emissions. Similarly, Saltdean Primary School’s 50kWp solar array, installed in 2019, generates yearly savings of £8,800 and has cut 62 tonnes of CO₂ emissions. Varndean College’s 50kWp system, also from 2019, saves £8,600 per year and reduces CO₂ emissions by 62.7 tonnes.
These projects have collectively reduced the schools’ reliance on grid electricity by an average of one third. By purchasing clean electricity generated on-site at lower rates than commercial suppliers, schools enjoy long-term savings that can be reinvested into educational resources and facilities.
Beyond the financial perks, these solar installations serve as educational tools, inspiring students to become climate leaders. Pupils witness renewable energy in action, learning that practical climate solutions are both achievable and beneficial.
BHESCo’s community energy model allows schools and businesses to install solar power without upfront costs, providing financial resilience alongside climate action. According to BHESCo’s founder, Kayla Ente MBE, the initiative showcases how reducing energy expenses and emissions is not only feasible but also transformative, while also offering young people practical examples of positive environmental change.
For those interested in joining this green revolution, BHESCo is raising funds for new renewable energy projects. Schools and businesses across Brighton can explore partnership opportunities by contacting BHESCo directly.
If you’re considering a sustainable future for your property, we at Sawyer & Co are here to help you find the perfect space to embrace renewable energy solutions.
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