Youths take part in energy saving scheme

Schoolchildren in Brent are leading the way in reducing their carbon footprint in the borough.

A new project has been set up to train youngsters, teachers, school staff and caretakers about cutting their energy use at school.

Special action teams will also be set up in schools to work out ways of saving energy.

Schools are responsible for almost half of all the carbon produced by the local authority.

In the 2009-2010 financial year, the council produced 17,870 tonnes of carbon dioxide from its buildings and street lighting which had an estimated energy cost of more than �3 million.

Schools produced 17,099 tonnes from its buildings.

The ten schools taking part in the challenge are Chalkhill Primary, Harlesden Primary, Michael Sobell Sinai Primary, Newfield Primary, Preston Park Primary, St Joseph’s Catholic Junior School, St Mary’s Church of England Primary, St Robert Southwall Roman Catholic Primary, Alperton Community School and Preston Manor High School.

Cllr Ann John OBE, leader of the council, said: “Brent Council is committed to creating a greener, cleaner and more sustainable borough. “I am delighted that pupils and teachers from ten schools are joining this programme to further cut carbon emissions, which is one of the most important and ambitious environmental goals identified by Brent Council.

“Volatile energy markets mean that schools will almost certainly see an increase in their energy costs in the next few years. Together with new carbon taxes it makes economic and environmental sense for them to cut radically their carbon emissions.”

Brent Council pledged to reduce its carbon dioxide emissions by 25 per cent by 2014.

For more about the project visit www.brent.gov.uk/brentgoinggreen