Newcastle secondary school going green as part of multi-million pound project

A Newcastle secondary school is going green as part of a multi-million pound project.

Solar panels, LED lighting and wall insulation are some of the energy-saving measures that are set to be installed at Benfield School in Walkergate.

These eco-upgrades will improve the energy efficiency of the school, helping to lower its bills and reduce its carbon footprint. The project is being funded by a £4m grant that secured by Newcastle City Council and NEAT Academy Trust from the Government’s Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme.

The scheme is run by the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero, and is delivered by Salix Finance. The NEAT Academy Trust will also contribute additional funding towards the project, which will be delivered over the next 18 months.

Coun Marion Williams, the Newcastle City Council Cabinet member involved in the project, said: “We have made a strong commitment to make public buildings across the city more sustainable so it is great we have secured this funding. The school is a really important asset in the community, with its sport facilities such as the swimming pool and sports hall being used by pupils during the day and by the public during evenings, weekends and school holidays.

“We look forward to seeing the project get under way as this is another important step towards our city achieving its net zero ambitions.”

Anthony Martin, head teacher at Benfield School, said: “We have been delighted to work with Newcastle City Council to develop this major heat decarbonisation project for the school and are thrilled to have received the Government grant funding delivered through Salix to support its implementation. I am particularly excited around the opportunity that it provides to the pupils at Benfield School.

“They will be able to see and learn about the school’s transition to low carbon energy use, as we implement new air source heat pump and solar panel technology across our school site.”