Seaton Primary School, a 340-pupil state primary school in East Devon, is one of the few schools in the UK to have installed a range of renewable energy technologies. It has a 2.5 kW wind turbine and a 4.7 kW PV array which supply electricity to the school, and 48m2 of solar water heating panels, which provide warm water for the school’s outdoor swimming pool. An energy audit has identified efficiency measures that can reduce energy demand, and the school Energy Policy and Action Plan has set priorities for implementing these, some of which have already been addressed.

The renewable energy technologies provide outstanding learning opportunities for the pupils. They can see renewable energy in action within their own school, and learn to understand the operation and appreciate the benefits of different systems. This helps to stimulate interest in energy issues, and pupils are actively involved in energy saving activities around the school. Pupils in the Eco Club and class Energy Agents help to reduce energy wastage by ensuring that lights and equipment are switched off when not required and doors and windows are closed to prevent heat loss. Sustainable energy is emphasised through the curriculum and after-school activities.

The on-site renewables generated about 4.5MWh of electricity in 2006, which reduced the carbon emissions of the school by about 2 tonnes/year. Efficiency measures and behavioural change probably saved a similar amount of electricity.

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The Ashden Awards for Sustainable Energy