Schools see carbon footprint fall thanks to continuing work

Denbighshire County Council’s Property Section Energy Team is continuing to tackle reducing the carbon footprint of Denbighshire schools.

The Council declared a Climate Change and Ecological Emergency in July 2019 and has since committed to becoming a Net Carbon Zero and Ecologically Positive Council by 2030.

This includes reducing emissions from the building estate, which is responsible for over 60 percent of the Council’s direct carbon emissions.

Since Easter 2022, ten Denbighshire schools will have seen carbon reduction work take place on site.

Work at the schools include loft insulation, installation of: solar PV, LED lighting, air source heatpumps, battery storage, replacement boilers, improved heating controls and the addition of energy efficient water heaters.

Schools involved in this work include Ysgol Carrog, Yshol Betws Gwerful Goch, Ysgol Frongoch, Ysgol Bryn Clwyd, Ysgol Tir Morfa, Ysgol Gellifor, Ysgol Bro Dyfrdwy, Ysgol Cae Drewyn and Christchurch CP School.

By carrying out the this work the Council has reduced the combined output of Carbon from these schools by around 64 tonnes.

Cllr Barry Mellor, Lead Member for Environment and Transport, said: “We are working hard to reduce the carbon output of our own building estate as part of our goal to reach Net Zero. As well as looking at our buildings we are also focusing on projects to support the reduction of carbon output from our fleet, private vehicles and also boosting biodiversity resilience across the county.

“We are grateful for the support of the schools and the work of the property team for making sure this important work was carried out which will also help provide an improved learning and working experience for pupils and staff.”