Schools set for improvements to reduce carbon footprint

School buildings set for improvements 'to reduce government carbon footprint'

In a recent review, Castle Rushen, Ballakermeen and Queen Elizabeth II High schools haveall been found to have a low energy-efficiency scores.

Subject to funding approval, Ballakermeen is to get a new sports hall roof with solar panels, while the new science and technology block at QEII will be designed specifically to reduce carbon emissions, as will the building work at Castle Rushen.

Scoill Phurt le Moirrey has had new environmental monitors installed which provide live data (including CO2 levels, illumination and temperature.

It's all part of government plans to achieve net zero emissions by 2050.

Education Minister, Alex Allinson said: "Examining the government's estate and exploring ways to improve energy efficiency is a significant piece of work which, understandably, will take time. 

But we are making inroads.

"Through the Climate Change Transformation Programme, Government is working on policies that will enable us to invest in renewable energy and energy saving technologies, which take account of long term cost benefits.

"These measure are important first steps to tackle the challenges of climate change and also to help educate future generation on the measure which can be used to reduce our impact on the environment".