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September 2008
Minister Launches Green Schools Energy Project

Today saw the launch of the An Taisce Green-Schools Energy Project, sponsored by Independent Energy (ESBIE), at Our Lady of Victories Infant School in Ballymun. This new initiative will bring businesses and schools together to demonstrate the practical application of energy efficiency.

This new project will run alongside the core Green-Schools programme which is sponsored by Repak Ltd., Coca-Cola Bottlers Ireland and The Wrigley Company and involves almost 3,000 schools throughout Ireland. It is also supported by the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government.

Among the first companies to sign up to partner with local schools in their areas to work on the new project were Dell, Tesco Ireland, as well as indigenous Irish companies such as Superquinn and Silverhill Foods.

The Green-Schools initiative targets schools that have already embraced An Taisce's "Green Flag" initiative and the projects aims will be delivered through the engagement and support of local business. All businesses are invited to apply via the website www.esbie.ie

Officially launching the Project, Minister Ryan said:

"A basic knowledge of the need to reduce emissions and conserve diminishing resources will not suffice. We must be practical in generating awareness and the solution-focused outlook of the Green Schools project is impressive. Without question, educating children on in the efficient use of scarce resources and its impact on our environment is where the solution lies, and this is where a real difference can be made.

With the recent Green Flags initiative, it is clear that these types of projects can foster real enthusiasm and dedication amongst younger generations. I have no doubt that the upcoming Green Schools Project, which now sees the involvement of the business community, will have a similar positive result and that the involvement of both business and the participating 230 schools will produce some very interesting findings. I would encourage all businesses across the country to take part in this worthy initiative."

The aim of Green-Schools is to increase students' and participant awareness of environmental and sustainable development issues through classroom studies and to transfer this knowledge into positive environmental action in the school and also in the wider community. Registered schools will get the opportunity to see, learn and generate new ideas on the benefits and impacts of best practice in Energy Management. Schools can submit projects based on what has been learnt and these projects will be submitted into a competition and can win prizes for their schools.

Speaking at the launch Michael McNicholas, Executive Director ESB International said "We are proud to sponsor the An Taisce Green Schools Energy Project through our supply business, ESB Independent Energy (ESBIE). In a few years these young children will be in positions within the business community to make decisions that may have a critical impact on all our lives. What they see and learn now will have an impact on future decisions. The programme will also help build links between business and communities that can grow and benefit everyone into the future."

An Taisce's Patricia Oliver said: "We would like to thank ESBIE for their sponsorship of Green-Schools Energy Project. Participating in the scheme will bring many benefits to businesses, including greater integration and involvement with the school and the local community in general. It will help businesses and their staff to focus even more on Energy Management, and any savings achieved will help mitigate against rising energy costs. It will deliver added brand value by way of demonstrating that businesses involved are taking their corporate responsibilities around environmental issues very seriously and acting in a very positive manner."

 

For further information please contact:

John Conlon
ESB Independent Energy
Tel: 01 8867343
Mobile: 0871246779