28 January 2010 Free Energy Display Meters for schools initiative launched
The Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families, the Rt Hon Ed Balls MP, today saw the first school Energy Display Meter in action as part of a £12 million energy efficiency initiative to help schools and pupils to become more aware of energy use. In a visit to Pimlico Academy in Westminster, London, the Secretary of State spoke to pupils and teachers about how the new technology installed at their school, which gives real-time information about electricity use in their school, is helping them to understand more about how simple changes in behaviour can make a big difference to the amount of energy they use. The new Energy Display Meter was enthusiastically received by Year 7 pupils during a science lesson. Looking at different levels of electricity usage throughout the week, the Schools Secretary asked pupils why electricity use was higher at 8.30am and so much was used on Saturdays and Sundays. Pupils told him that 8.30am was when lessons started, and so laptops and other equipment would be switched on, and suggested that out-of-hours use of schools facilities such the new fitness suite and gym meant that the academy was in use at weekends as well as during the school week. For the full news article and to be taken to the website, click here | 
