Green team’s sterling effort (From Wharfedale Observer)

Green team’s sterling effort

7:40am Sunday 27th May 2012 in News

Benton Park is set to become an Eco School thanks to the efforts of a dedicated group of students.

Ten teenagers have led the way in encouraging staff and pupils to cut energy consumption and increase bio-diversity.

Now the school is set to receive a bronze Eco Schools Award in recognition of its achievements.

The changes have come about after the introduction in September of an eco council.

Its ten members – Charlotte Hall, Josh Fryer, Chris Coultas, Oliver Simpson, Amy Armitage, Georgina Lilley, Amy Lightowler, Emily Buchanan, Adam Fryer and Matthew Wallis – range in age from 14 to 18.

Speaking on behalf of the group Josh said their first task to qualify for the award had been to carry out a survey of the school’s energy consumption and ‘eco-friendliness.’ They then decided on ways of reducing energy loss and improving the local area – encouraging pupils and teachers to switch lights off and planting trees around the school grounds.

The teenagers carried out energy audits – followed by assemblies with fellow pupils and staff briefings with teachers to stress the importance of saving energy.

Josh said all the teachers have been helpful and supportive, and the school had seen a massive reduction in the number of lights left on at lunchtime – with the figure dropping from 62 per cent to just 20 per cent.

One of the leaders of the eco-council Mrs. Lindsay praised the work of the students. She said: “The eco council has been a huge success at Benton Park School.

“Students from a variety of year groups have been keen to promote sustainability within the school.

“This has been encouraged and embraced by both staff and pupils.

“We are really proud of what the students have achieved and look forward to making our future even more sustainable at Benton Park School.”