More than 900 Eco-Schools from across Northern Ireland have been invited to switch on to Airtricity’s ‘Operation Energy, Power Down Day’ for the second year in a row.
Last year over 100 schools took part in World Days of Action ‘Operation Energy, Power Down Day’ and saved 4,000kWh of electricity, the same as powering down an average home for 450 days. This year schools will be hoping for even better results, to underline just how much energy and money could be saved by being more energy efficient.
On the 7th November Eco-Schools’ pupils across the country will be invited to take part and focus on energy saving measures to see just how much they can save by ‘powering down’ and being energy efficient for the day.
Cavehill Primary School, who have already signed up for ‘Operation Energy, Power Down Day’ were delighted to host the launch and show their plans for ‘powering down’ this year to Minister for the Environment, Mark H Durkan MLA, who said:
“When you consider the number of schools participating in the Operation Energy Power Down Day you begin to realise how powerful our young Eco-Army is. Not only are they taking action and making a difference here in Northern Ireland, they are joining 13,000,000 students world-wide.
“They are proving that we can all make a difference if we alter our attitudes and behaviours. Not only is this good for the environment – they are demonstrating how real economic benefits can be affected by our actions.”
Airtricity, principal sponsors and energy ambassadors of Eco-Schools Northern Ireland are helping pupils with their ‘Operation Energy, Power Down Day’ by supplying energy saving ideas through their free online Operation Energy resources available at www.operation-energy.comwhich helps schools study and reduce energy usage.
Josh Bradley, Corporate Communications at Airtricity said: “As Northern Ireland’s second largest and fastest growing energy provider, we take sustainable energy use and energy efficiency very seriously and we are passionate about the role schools can play in promoting sustainable living through education.”
“Over the past 12 months Airtricity and Eco-Schools have been working together to equip teachers, pupils and communities with the resources, tools and technologies they need to make it easier to save energy, cut bills and reduce carbon emissions.”
“Schools can lead the way in setting a sustainable agenda. As part of the Eco-Schools’ World Days of Action on Thursday 7th November, Airtricity and Operation Energy will promote a special ‘Power Down Day’ where schools make an extra effort to reduce their energy usage – that is a lesson which all of us should take on board.”
Carmel Fyfe, Eco-Schools Manager, TIDY Northern Ireland said:
“It is great to see so many Eco-Schools already signed up to participate in the Operation Energy Power Down Day and we are once again delighted to be supported by Airtricity with the initiative. We are looking forward to seeing just how much energy schools here will be able to save as a result of simple behavioural changes. Operation Energy is of real benefit to schools and offers our young people an engaging and interesting way to learn about energy saving in a way that links to the curriculum while instilling positive behaviour for future life.”