| New turbines signal winds of change as
groundbreaking eco Academy takes shape
March 16th 2010
The development of the Academy took a giant step closer when the wind turbines were inaugurated on site – watched by excited future pupils and special guests including The Bishop of Liverpool and Father Michael O’Dowd.
The three wind turbines initiated on site, which will provide power to the contractor Willmott Dixon’s site offices, and then provide off-peak power supply for the Academy once it is opened in 2011.
Such is the extent of the school’s sustainable design that the wind turbines will eventually be joined by a 1 mw biomass boiler and a 4 kw photo-voltaic array, which will provide the Academy with 100% of its off-peak electrical load and 100% of its heating and hot water requirements. This follows the challenge set by the sponsors and St.Helens Council to make Hope Academy the most sustainable school in Britain. With one national Award – the Building Schools for the Future ‘Innovation in Sustainability Award’ – already to its name, and with the Academy well on course to achieve a BREEAM “Outstanding” rating - believed to be the first in the country - that challenge looks set to be realised.
Speaking at the event, The Bishop of Liverpool, James Jones, said; “Hope Academy will be a very special development, providing a unique and inspirational learning environment for its future pupils. The turbines mark the first step on its journey to becoming, we hope, the most sustainable school in Britain, which will be a truly remarkable achievement for all involved. Sustainability is the specialism which is an expression of its Christian ethos.”
Echoing those sentiments, Father Michael O’Dowd said; “Hope Academy represents the vision and hard work of a lot of people, all with one aim; to create a highly sustainable learning environment where children can prosper both spiritually and academically. Now we have the wind turbines on site, that vision is one step closer to becoming a reality.”
Dr Elizabeth Gayton, representing Hope Academy’s third Sponsor Liverpool Hope University, said; “the inauguration of the three wind turbines was a significant event for all those involved in the planning and development of the new academy. In particular it was gratifying to see future Hope Academy pupils, children from both predecessor schools, marking this exciting milestone.
Councillor Shirley Evans, Executive Member for Children and Young People's Services from St.Helens Council, said; “The Council is committed to providing the very best facilities for our young people, and Hope Academy will provide an exceptional, sustainable learning space for years to come.” |
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