Pupils to tell of big eco savings

INVERKEITHING HIGH pupils will tell MSPs at Holyrood today how they have been reducing the school’s carbon footprint.

Youngsters on the pupils’ energy committee have helped save £28,000 in heating bills and have been naming and shaming teachers who leave classroom computers and lights on.

Depute head boy Ewan McLean has prepared a presentation, which fifth year Rachael Swift, third year Sally Daly and first year Andrew Morrison will use to inform MSPs about the eco-projects at the school.

The group have identified ways to save energy.

As a result of their investigations, a £40,000 heating system was installed 18 months ago. It saved a £28,000 over six months, meaning it paid for itself within a year.

Cathie Oats, the school’s information services manager, said, “Through the lobbying efforts of the pupil committee we obtained a computerised heating control system for the school.

“This TRIM energy management system uses computer sensors to monitor the temperature and environment around the school.

“As a result of the computer-regulated heating system temperatures in all classrooms are relatively constant rather than variable. This makes the temperature much more comfortable in every room. Previously temperatures were either too hot or too cold and energy was being wasted.”

The council is trying to find a solution to drafts getting into the school.

Andrew added, “We’ve been going round all the classrooms, checking if all the computer monitors are switched off and all the lights are switched off. If they are, they get a sticker with a smiley face and if they’re not they get a sticker with a wooden spoon.”