A chain of academies plans to implement solar panel systems on 17 schools in Bradford as part of an effort to decrease their dependence on fossil fuels. The Bradford Diocesan Academies Trust is undertaking this project with the objective of preventing the release of 390 tonnes of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere annually, while also reducing the energy costs of these schools. The project, carried out in collaboration with Solar for Schools, a nationwide non-profit organisation focused on carbon emissions reduction, has seen several planning applications approved in the past two months. Two of the trust’s academies, Clayton St John on Bradford Road and The Academy at St James on Chelwood Drive in Allerton, have already begun installing the solar panels, with the remaining schools set to commence installations over the course of the current term. The goal is to have all schools equipped with solar panels by April.
As part of this initiative, students across the trust will receive education on renewable energy through solar-themed assemblies, workshops, and classroom projects. They will be regularly updated on the energy generation at each school and will have the opportunity to observe live-streamed maintenance visits for panel servicing. Carol Dewhurst, the CEO of the Bradford Diocesan Academies Trust, expressed excitement about the solar panel installations, emphasizing their role in the trust’s mission to achieve net-zero emissions. She also highlighted the commitment of each academy within the trust to become eco-friendly schools and teach students the significance of sustainability.
Ann Flaherty, UK director at Solar for Schools, emphasized the empowering effect of having solar panels on school roofs for students. She noted that it helps students recognize their capacity to contribute locally to carbon reduction efforts, which in turn supports national and global emissions reduction targets.
