Pupils from all across Northern Ireland have been recording impressive results from TIDY Northern Ireland and Airtricity’s Operation Energy Power Down Day challenge.
Energy eco-warriors in the 155 participating schools monitored their schools’ electricity for a week and patrolled the classrooms and corridors on Power Down Day, the 7th November, to make sure teachers and pupils were turning off lights, equipment wasn’t being left on stand-by, and doors and windows were shut to save heating.
Pupils from all the schools taking part reported the challenge was very illuminating and highlighted some important issues that they wouldn’t have discovered if they hadn’t been taking part such as lights being left on in store rooms and unnecessary heating coming on at night.
On average schools used 20% less energy on Power Down Day. The 155 schools taking part saved 4,831 Kwh of energy which means if every school in Northern Ireland took part and amazing 37,430 Kwh of energy could be saved.
Pupils from Lisnasharragh Primary School in Belfast were particularly pleased about their results as they managed to reduce their electricity usage by an incredible 50% on Power Down Day.
Stephen Houston, Teacher and Eco-Coordinator at Lisnasharragh Primary School said:“The pupils really enjoyed the challenge and had a great time making sure that interactive white boards were switched off. All the blinds were opened and everyone worked by natural light for the day. We were pleased with the results and it certainly highlighted just how much energy could be saved. Energy saving is one the topics we are focusing on as we work towards our Green Flag award this year.”
Josh Bradley, Operation Energy Manager at Airtricity said: “It’s great to see Eco-Schools across the country getting involved in such a wide variety of energy saving activities.Now in its second year, Power Down Day hasproved agreat success withboth primary and secondary schools and I would like to congratulate all 155 schools that took part.”
Carmel Fyfe, Eco-Schools Manager, TIDY Northern Ireland said: “The response from schools has been exceptional and with over 90% of schools now involved in the Eco-Schools Programme it is clear to see how deeply our young people care about the environment. Thanks to Airtricity young people across the province are learning positive behaviour for future life and how simple changes to the way we use energy can add up to big savings.”