Get Set for Positive Energy: Sustainable Schools competition winner
Brought to you by Team GB, ParalympicsGB and British Gas, Get Set for Positive Energy aims to empower young people to understand how to save energy and create a greener future.
The 5-year programme is currently aimed at primary school children aged 5-11, with plans to expand into secondary schools soon. As part of it, in 2024 we set children the challenge of designing a future friendly place to learn to win a share of £25,000.
And now we’re thrilled to announce that the first prize winner of the Design a Sustainable School competition is Jemima, a 6-year-old at Sandwich Infant School in Kent who has won her school a British Gas Positive Energy Grant of £15,000 – and a visit from Olympian Ashleigh Nelson and Paralympian Thomas Young to present their prize.
Jemima’s prize-winning drawing included lots of great ideas.
There’s a special bit in the playground, she explains. It has special bikes on the side of the school that can power the school’s electricity.
She also spotted the energy-saving potential of having activity sensors connected to lights, so they switch off when no movement is detected for a while.
As well as the money, the school also got advice on the energy-saving improvements they could spend it on from Matt Griffiths, a British Gas Net Zero Architect. His recommendations include:
- Checking loft insulation
- Lagging boiler pipework
- Updating all lighting to LED bulbs
Our energy bills are quite high being a Victorian building, so this money will make a big difference and help us on our journey to becoming a Net Zero school.
And we’re really thrilled to be able to help make the school greener with our energy-efficient know-how and tech. Together, we can all make a difference and create a more sustainable tomorrow.