New energy meters for Arundel schools

New energy meters are being installed at Arundel schoolshelp lower energy consumption and save money.

The devices use a new type of technology which automatically collects the schools’ energy data, whether for gas, electricity, oil or LPG.

The Automated Meter Reading (AMR) programme, which got unanimous support from head teachers and governors at the West Sussex Schools Forum, is being rolled out from the end of March.

Once connected, schools can go online and see where their energy goes and how they can manage it better and reduce their carbon footprint.

Cabinet Member for Education and Schools, Peter Griffiths, said: “It’s a case of 'practising what we teach' as we will encourage teachers to use this as an educational tool to support learning on climate change.

“It's great device, saving the County Council money and improving energy efficiency.”

Switching to the new meters also means the county avoids paying an extra tax to the government.

This is because we are no longer providing estimated meter readings.

The government will continue to charge schools for their carbon dioxide emissions - around £400k in West Sussex annually – but as energy savings are made, this too is expected to fall.