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September 2009
ESBIE & An Taisce switch National Schools onto Green Energy

This Septmber pupils from Guardian Angels National School, Blackrock helped to launch this year’s An Taisce Green Schools Energy Project supported by ESB Independent Energy today. Part of An Taisce’s “Green Flag” initiative, An Taisce Green Schools Energy Project sponsored by ESB Independent Energy aims to increase students’ awareness of the importance of energy efficiency in business. It also aims to educate students on environmental and sustainable development issues through classroom studies so that the students can then transfer this knowledge into positive environmental action in the school and in the wider community.

Green-Schools is an international environmental education programme and award scheme that promotes and acknowledges long-term, whole-school action for the environment. It involves almost 3,000 schools throughout Ireland and is supported by the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government. The Green Schools Energy project aims to bring businesses and schools together to illustrate the practical application of energy efficiency in businesses around the country.

Speaking at the launch John Conlon, ESB Independent Energy said: “As one of Ireland’s leading providers of green energy, ESB Independent Energy are delighted to support the An Taisce Green Schools Energy Project for this, the second year. Environmental awareness and best practice in energy efficiency is a long-term issue, by educating the decision-makers of the future to be environmentally responsible we are ensuring cleaner greener outlook for future generations.”

Pat Oliver, Director, An Taisce commented: “When we work with national school children to promote environmental awareness we are always amazed by how quickly they grasp the concept – it would seem that being environmentally responsible is intuitive. Parents and teachers often tell us that the children encourage them to be ‘greener’! Last year the pupils were very effective at bringing this ‘green’ message into businesses in their locality and we hope that this year will be even more successful.”

Guardian Angel National School, Blackrock who completed their project in association with Pfizer, Dun Laoighre won the inaugural national competition last year. Following an energy audit at the Pfizer facility, the 6th class students developed some simple solutions that Pfizer could implement immediately to help save energy and money. The school also received € 4,000 prize fund which they have since used to create a vegetable patch and purchase badly-needed energy effecient AA appliances for the school kitchen.

If you wish to participate in this year’s An Taisce Green Schools Energy Project just log on to our web site www.esbie.ie and follow the links for Green Schools.

For further information please contact:

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