BMT Isis Supports Students in Wind Turbine Project
26-Sep-2008
BMT Isis Ltd, a subsidiary of BMT Group Ltd, is supporting the students of Chew Valley School (CVS) in Somerset with funding for the development of a £28,000 wind turbine project that will generate electricity for the school.
The wind turbine, to be unveiled by Mr Dan Norris, MP for Wansdyke, will generate approximately 10,470 units of electricity and save 4.5 tonnes of CO2 being released into the atmosphere each year.
A display system in the school's reception will show how much electricity the turbine is generating, how much electricity the school is using and how much CO2 the school has saved. Information from the turbine will be accessible by staff and pupils to support studies as well as links to other turbines across the UK.
John Hutchison, BMT Isis Managing Director commented: "BMT Isis was delighted to be able to provide financial support for the development of the wind turbine, which will be a source of sustainable energy for the school, as well as providing a valuable educational resource. The project closely aligns with BMT Isis work in renewable energy and sustainability and we are pleased to have been able to assist with a project that will benefit the local community and aid student's awareness and understanding of important social, economic and environmental topics."
"The project was brought to the company's attention by a member of our environmental team, James Perry, who was formerly a student at CVS, where his interest in environmental issues began. This makes the success of this project all the more rewarding and we hope it encourages students to explore potential professions which invest in sustainability."
As well as support from BMT Isis, the project was also funded by the EDF Energy Green Fund and the Low Carbon Building Programme. Support and expertise was also provided by members of Chew Magna ‘Go Zero', a local group dedicated to reducing the carbon footprint of the village.
Mr Norris said: "The Chew Valley is home to the pioneering ‘Go Zero' project and I know from my previous visits to Chew Valley School how clearly students and staff there understand the need to urgently tackle climate change. "
"The installation of this wind turbine - the result of close partnership between the school and the sponsors - represents another important step in the school's continuing efforts not only to help educate students about climate change but to take practical measures to fight it."
Science teacher Paddy Brading, who has led the project, said: "It is an incredible feeling to have completed the project. The turbine is very visible, which will set an example to the whole community that this school is supporting green energy.
"The young pupils on our energy team now want to focus on how we can reduce our electricity use across the whole school. Many people talk about reducing CO2 output but we want to walk the talk. When people see our turbine it might persuade them to think more carefully about their use of electricity and how it is produced."
