School's refurbishments result in low carbon footprint

Eco features that have been adopted in a school in Somerset will ensure that it has a low carbon footprint as well as reduced energy bills.

As part of North Somerset council's Local Structure Plan, St Martin's Junior School in Worle, Weston-Super-Mare has been refurbished to include a variety of eco features.

Microgeneration, including the installation of solar panelling, has been taken up by the school so that it will be able to produce some of its own energy.

The heating system of the school has been replaced to include an energy efficient boiler, which helps the school to be cheaper to run.

North Somerset council's energy, policy and project officer Steve Hodges remarked: "We settled on the gas boiler and solar hot water integrated system."

"This has helped to save money, which is crucial given our environment and also helps to set a good example to the pupils, who are learning about climate change and energy efficiency."

Elsewhere in the region, five eco homes are currently being developed to meet level five of the Code for Sustainable Housing.