At IST we pride ourselves for our use of technology but that consumes lots of energy. Renewable Energy & Water is about minimizing our impact by using clean renewable resources which will reduce our carbon and energy emissions.
Target 1: Green Electricity
Scale: Large
ABOUT:
Schools are very energy intensive organizations: lots of lighting, powering computers and whiteboards, heating, air conditioning,... The school already has methods of reducing energy consumption, such as the motion-activated lights, but installing technology to produce green energy would make a bigger contribution to Sustainable Development Goals 7, 11, and 12. Our school is in the south of France, and so we are lucky enough to get large amounts of strong sunlight for most of the year. Installing solar or photovoltaic panels on a section of roof would allow the school to generate a reasonable amount of electricity. While the installation cost would be expensive, the electricity generated would reduce the electricity bill. Given the location of the school, it is likely that a large percentage of our energy is generated by the Golfech Nuclear Power Station; while nuclear power doesn’t result in greenhouse gas emissions, it is finite. There are also environmental issues with the disposal of the waste created by nuclear energy, because it remains radioactive for a long time.
STRATEGY OF IMPLEMENTATION:
Installing solar panels on the roofs of the school.
School / Business who has implemented this scheme:
Estimated Cost:
The installation cost would be fairly high. Ikea sell a Solar Panel Unit consisting of 6 solar panels for 6 990€. However, over time the panels would reduce the cost of the school’s electricity bill.
Target 2: Grey Water System
Scale: MEDIUM
ABOUT:
Another key resource we consume a lot of, is water. By implementing a Grey Water System, we will reduce the amount of fresh, drinkable water needed on-site. Purified water can be both expensive and energy intensive which is why this suggested system will benefit the school and the environment.
STRATEGY OF IMPLEMENTATION:
We suggest we start will small initial transitions such as constructing rain collecting systems that can be used to water the plants and wash any sports equipment / playground. This would be a fantastic, low-cost solution for now. Money from friends could be used for any purchases or CAS events could raise funding. The on-site team would then have to implement water barrels etc...
In the future we could make larger changes such as changing the piping so toilets are part of a Grey Water System or purchasing an on-site water purifier.
School / Business who has implemented this scheme:
Berlin Brandenburg International School (BBIS)
The British International School of Jeddah
Estimated Cost:
A Rain Water Collector that store 1000l can be found at Leroy Merlin for 189€. Piping will also be required which is an additional price.