MP champions green schools initiative from Eaga
February 2011
North-East MP Ian Lavery has visited a local school to see how green services provider Eaga is helping pupils in his constituency learn about renewable energy.
During the visit Mr Lavery joined a solar energy lesson at Newminster Middle School in Morpeth delivered by Caroline Robinson, Eaga’s recently appointed Renewables Educational Officer.
The Wansbeck MP said that as well as being a lot of fun it was great to see school children showing such enthusiasm for clean energy.
He added: “This region has a proud heritage in coal mining, but we are also now known for being at the forefront of low carbon energy production and for our younger generation this offers an exciting future. I therefore applaud Newminster Middle School and Eaga for this initiative.”
Based in Newcastle, Eaga is one of the UK’s largest installers of household renewable energy solutions. As part of its commitment to sustainable energy sources it has appointed Caroline to work with schools across the UK, and as it has previously installed an array of solar panels at Newminster School it made perfect sense to start there.
Caroline said: “Newminster is already doing some fabulous work through initiatives its after school Climate Crews and Eco clubs, and I an extremely grateful for the opportunity to come in and talk about renewable energy. As a former teacher I know how important it is to make lessons interesting and fun – and easy for busy teachers to include in the curriculum. Using a range of interactive props I can demonstrate renewable energy in a way which engages all the pupils and hopefully leaves a lasting impression.”
Gillian Whitmell, Science Teacher at Newminster, said: “The flooding in Morpeth in 2008 has made us all aware of how fragile our planet is and there is huge interest in our school for green living. We have solar panels on our roof supplying power to the kitchens, and we recently achieved Eco Schools Green Flag status for our efforts in for example recycling, reusing water and paper and reducing waste. Working with Caroline and Eaga is therefore something we were more than keen to do.”
ends
Notes to Editors
Eaga
• Eaga is a green support services and outsourcing company and a leader in the provision of outsourced services, products and solutions that address the environmental and social objectives of Government and the private sector. Eaga’s key market drivers are centred on climate change and social inclusion.
• Eaga is the UK’s largest residential energy efficiency provider. Working in partnership with central and local Government, utility companies and other commercial organisations, Eaga operates across the UK and in the republic of Ireland, India and Canada, employing around 5,000 people.
• Eaga was established in 1990 as a private limited company to lead Government-funded efforts to improve the living conditions of vulnerable people living in cold, damp and energy inefficient homes across England. In 2000, the company was restructured to become a 100% employee-owned business.