Sadiq Khan reveals which London schools will benefit from project to cut carbon and energy bills

Sir Sadiq Khan has revealed which London schools will benefit from his £2.9m Greener Schools initiative, which aims to install solar panels, heat pumps and other eco-upgrades across the capital’s classrooms.

A total of 38 schools across 16 boroughs will benefit from the funding, with councils putting an extra £9.6m of their own investment into the project.

City Hall believes the scheme could save schools an average of almost £15,000 on their energy bills as a result of the upgrades, which also include measures like insulation and LED lights.

The funding will also enable “climate engagement activities such as school-wide sustainability projects, including water conservation initiatives, helping to empower the next generation of climate change leaders in communities across the capital”, the mayor’s team said.

Sir Sadiq hopes to eventually see the project adopted by the Government as part of a scaled-up, national scheme. He argues that if all of London’s schools were to use similar energy-saving interventions, this could save over £50m annually from the education budget.

“This investment will help schools reduce their energy costs, so they can spend more on vital resources such as books, technology and staff, and cut carbon emissions so schools can play their part in tackling air pollution in the capital,” the mayor said.

“Working with the boroughs, we’ve been able to leverage a further £9.6m to fund more vital projects in more schools, helping to meet our target of achieving net zero by 2030, as we continue working to build a greener and fairer London for everyone.”

Sir Sadiq’s office points out that his pilot scheme has already inspired aspects of the Government’s Great British Energy project, which announced last month it would be installing rooftop solar panels on 200 schools and 200 hospitals.

The 38 schools to benefit from the mayor’s Greener Schools initiative are:

Executive headteacher at Brecknock and Torriano Federation, Helen Bruckdorfer, said: “We are thrilled to have received grant funding from the Greener Schools Pilot, which will play a key role in advancing the goals outlined in our Torriano School Climate Action Plan. This funding will help us enhance energy efficiency and implement sustainable solutions, such as solar PV and LED lighting.

“Addressing climate change and promoting sustainability are fundamental to the partnership between Camden Council and its schools, and this initiative is a significant step toward a greener, more sustainable future for our community.”

Headteacher at Durants School, Rachel Carli, said: “As an Eco School we are committed to supporting the health of our planet. We are delighted to have received grant funding from the Greener Schools Pilot, which will play a pivotal role in advancing the goals outlined in the Enfield Schools Climate Action Plan.”