Climate change boss visits borough school

Dudley’s boss for climate change popped into Milking Bank Primary School recently to find out how solar panels are helping to reduce the school’s energy usage.

During his visit, Councillor Dr Rob Clinton also met the school’s eco warriors, who are part of a club to help drive environmental projects at the school.

Dudley Council has invested £130,000 of its grant from the government’s public sector decarbonisation scheme to install 194 solar panels on the roof of the school.

They were installed last summer and in 12 months the school has saved nearly 12,000kg of CO2 emissions, which would be equivalent to planting more than 700 trees.

Councillor Dr Rob Clinton, cabinet member for climate change, said:

“As we work towards our target of being net zero by 2030, we must look at every opportunity to reduce the borough’s CO2 emissions.

“I’m pleased we’re able to use our government grant to bring in energy saving measures in our schools, including Milking Bank.

“It was wonderful to meet some of the children who are part of the eco warriors club and see their passion for protecting the environment first hand.”

Mrs Hannah Rowley, teacher at Milking Bank Primary School, said:

“We’ve had solar panels on one section of the school for a number of years, but thanks to the new panels provided by the council at no cost to the school, we’re now able to increase the electricity we produce and power our school on a daily basis.

“We’re passionate about the environment and through our eco warrior club, we hope to inspire our children and encourage them to make a difference to our planet both now and as adults in the future.”

Solar panels and air source heat pumps have been installed at a number of schools across the borough including The Glynne and Wrens Nest Primary schools.