Kentish Express Ashford & District
School has power to help environment
Great Chart Primary School has beaten four other projects in the region to win £11,999 of funding from the M&S Energy Community Energy Fund.
This is the third year of the energy fund, which donates up to £300,000 to support community renewable energy projects and technologies across the UK.
The school was shortlisted for the national competition in July and then spent six weeks campaigning to get the community to show their support by voting.
Great Chart school is now planning to use the money to modernise buildings and make them as energy efficient as possible.
They will begin with the installation of LED lighting which will significantly reduce energy consumption for the school and cut energy costs, meaning that the school can reinvest more money into the children’s learning and resources.
Wendy Pang, headteacher, said: “With the current climate of extremely tight budgets, this funding means we are able to create a better environment for the children’s learning.
“It’s amazing to see the dedication and commitment from staff, parents and the community to ensure that all our efforts were successful.”
Jonathan Hazeldine, head of M&S Energy, said: “Our community energy fund has grown from strength to strength.
“This year for the first time ever we surpassed 100,000 public votes. The fund is a great way for us to connect with some brilliantly innovative energy projects.
“We were bowled over by the innovation and creativity displayed by this year’s community projects.”