Environmental message spreads to New Zealand schools
28 Mar 2008
Pupils around Auckland are getting the chance for hands-on experience with renewable energy.
As part of the SchoolGen environmental programme, solar panels will be installed in 56 New Zealand schools over the next three years.
Bayswater primary school is one of three schools in Auckland selected this year to take part in the project. Solar panels have been installed on the school’s main classroom block and a screen in the school library shows how much energy the panels generate from the sun. The screen is being eagerly watched by many students and is specifically monitored by a group of pupils.
Bayswater Primary principal Christine Heney says students are thrilled by the scheme.
''It's an opportunity for the kids to learn about what solar panels can do, how they operate, why it's worthwhile having them, any savings they can make us,'' says Heney.
Issues of sustainability are increasingly important to New Zealand schools as the new curriculum helps students think about the long-term impact of social, environmental and economic practices.
The SchoolGen project was conceived by Genesis Energy and part-funded by the Ministry for the Environment. The project is currently in its second year.
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