Green energy solutions are being delivered to a Hull academy trust by a former pupil, with huge savings to support frontline education delivery.
Ash Wray, who co-founded C3 Group in the city last year to help regional organisations embark on the net zero journey - is back at Kelvin Hall School imparting his career learnings. The consultancy was launched with GW Power-Safe founder Dan Haley, building on their experience in the sector.
And a cool £222,000 and 104.3 tonnes of carbon savings have been eyed as more than 4,400 LED panels are installed in the summer break in a first phase of what could be a long-term programme.
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Mr Wray said: “Going back into your own school is quite a humbling experience, having learned what you have learned, got up and running and put that into a career.
“To be able to offer knowledge back is a really nice experience, with a lot of the work about putting money back into the trust, with the cost savings being made.
“The initial focus was about identifying some quick wins, putting technology in like we are now installing - LED lights across the school, starting that journey to Net Zero. A big part of what we’re doing is working to unlock funds for the school, and using the cost savings to improve the longevity of the buildings going forward.
“There is a couple of years’ work to make sure it is sustainable.”
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Describing how he was lucky enough to attend both the old Kelvin Hall and new building, he added: “I was part of that transition and now this is the next transition, how we enhance it and the education by putting money back into the school.”
Part of the partnership sees Mr Wray speak with pupils during term time to educate them on the technology and the need for its deployment.
Kelvin Hall is part of the Thrive Co-operative Learning Trust, a 10-school academy in the city. It is one of three secondaries, complemented by seven primary schools.
Jonathan Roe, chief executive, said: ”The cash savings are great as we can point more money to the frontline, it can go to the pupils rather than a building which leaks heat.
“The pupils are learning about the environment, pupils are concerned and worried, and asking us for answers.
“It is great that a local resident, and former pupil, is putting something back. It is fantastic, and he’s a bit younger than me, so when it comes to standing in front of the pupils he may be more persuasive than I am.”