Schools have until June 2009 to apply for Wind Turbine Grants

(10/02/2009)

Iskra Wind Turbines is calling for schools to act now and take advantage of grants for wind turbines available through the Low Carbon Buildings Programme Phase 2 (LCBP2).

Schools can claim 50 percent of the costs of installing and commissioning a wind turbine under the LCBP2, but only have until June 2009 to complete their applications. The process is not arduous and Iskra’s distributor Segen provides hands-on support to make sure that the online applications are completed successfully. LCBP2 commits to giving a decision on online applications for less than £100,000 in under seven working days.

An open day for schools at Sandwich Technology School was organised by Iskra and Segen, to give Kent Eco-Schools coordinators and officers an opportunity to see the Iskra AT5-1 turbine in action and understand how it plays an active role in science and geography lessons at STS. Information on CO2 saved, total and current energy produced by the turbine is incorporated into lesson plans.

Commenting on the grant opportunity, Claus Jacobsen, Iskra Wind Turbines, says: “With so many schools active in the Eco-Schools and Sustainable Schools programmes, and UK schools spending £100 million a year on electricity , a wind turbine makes both educational and economic sense. But schools are in danger of missing out on grants if they do not start the application process as soon as possible.”

Wind turbines can play a valuable role in the study of renewable energy in the school curriculum particularly in science, geography and technology where the study of energy supply, the costs of that energy and the design of the turbine are all relevant.

A wind turbine can often form part of the Eco-Schools programme, being a step towards the reduction of the overall environmental impact of a school and contributing to the Sustainable Schools framework.

The Government has identified eight doorways to being a Sustainable School by 2020. One of these doorways - Energy and Water – recommends that all schools “are models of energy efficiency, renewable energy and water conversations, showcasing opportunities such as wind, solar and biomass energy, insulation, rainwater harvesting and grey water recycling to everyone who uses the school”.

Related categories:  Environmental technologies for offices and commercial   Wind power