Polesden Lacey school 'punches above its weight' on the environment

Tuesday, December 2, 2008: Polesden Lacey Infant School was highly commended at at the National Energy Awards at the Globe Theatre in London today. Head teacher Rosie Keedy accepted the commendation in the Schools section from award sponsor David Lucioni of Canon UK (picture, right).

The judges said of the Oakdene Close, Bookham, school's entry that it, "just shows that a lot can be achieved in a little time, with little budget but a lot of imagination – this primary school really does punch above its weight."

Polesden Lacey head teacher Rosie Keedy said: "Whilst it is great for our small school to be recognised nationally for reducing our carbon footprint through energy and paper conservation, the real success is the educational impact this has on our young children to become tomorrow's Eco warriors by learning to reduce their carbon impact on the future world that awaits them."

The National Energy Efficiency Awards celebrate the achievements of individuals and their organisations in significantly reducing energy use and helping to combat climate change.

The Awards showcase the successful implementation of innovative, cost effective and transferable energy efficiency measures across a range of categories. They cover the full range of energy users, including large and small companies, the public sector, schools, community groups and individuals.

An article on Polesden Lacey's Infant School achievements is due to appear in Monday's Independent paper.

Polesden Lacey School has a strong commitment to giving its students a deep understanding of climate change and the actions needed to combat it. A page on the school's website lists a string of eco-projects and awards, including Eco Silver Award, an award from the Royal Horticultural Society, Polar Bear project and the 'Golden Boot'.

Its projects for 2009 include:
[] the setting up of a wormery donated by Compost Works
[] a windturbine subject to a grant, planning permission and local company sponsorship and,
[] a greenhouse building project made out of clear plastic bottles.