Greenbacks for Linlithgow
AN energy saving project in Linlithgow has received a bumper cash bonus of £38,693 from government funds.
The Energy Saving Schools project members were left feeling flush in the latest round of awards from the Scottish Government's Climate Challenge Fund.
The project's aim is to reduce energy consumption in primary and secondary schools throughout West Lothian.
Helen Brown, ESS project co-ordinator said: "We are all delighted with the funding and can't wait to get started.
"It will enable us to work with all users of the school, day and evening, to see how best we can work together to reduce energy, using simple but effective low cost and no cost measures, often by just a flick of a switch.
"The fact that local authorities spend approximately half of their energy budget on schools, suggests that there is an urgent need for the ESS project.
''Support for the project is now included in West Lothian Council's carbon management plan, derived from central government's carbon commitment."
The project will support the Scottish government target of reducing greenhouse gases by 50 per cent by 2030 and 80 per cent by 2050. Helen of Avontoun Park, Linlithgow added: "Together we will make a big difference to showcase to other schools in West Lothian, and indeed, across Scotland."
The project, which is linked with the Energy Green Partnership, has received support from councillors, MSPs, parents, head teachers, pupils, out-of-hours school let users and caretakers.
Lothians Green MSP Robin Harper said: "The people behind these projects are true climate pioneers, doing work we can all be proud of.
"What's particularly satisfying is to see projects coming forward that are designed to go beyond tackling climate change, by boosting local employment, supporting active and healthy lifestyles, and bringing communities together."
Alan Brown is the co-ordinator for local action group Linlithgow Climate Challenge. He said: "I am pleased Helen has received this funding – it is something the schools need a lot of help with and reinforces the town's environmental focus.
"We are working to identify energy usage in schools and looking at renewable energy. The ESS project looks at the behaviour of people to use the building. It's a complementary partnership – there is harmony between the two visions."
Lothian SNP MSP Fiona Hyslop said: "The Climate Change Challenge Fund is a groundbreaking initiative that will allow pupils in West Lothian to deliver a range of innovative solutions to reduce their carbon footprint."
The Climate Challenge Fund is a joint project between the Greens and Scottish Ministers, and will distribute 27.4 million in funding up to 2011.
It is estimated that the 37 projects selected for funding will together reduce Scotland's carbon emissions by more than 250,000 tonnes.
That's said to be the equivalent of taking no fewer than 83,000 cars off the road.
editorial@journalandgazette.co.uk
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Friday 18 May 2012
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