Leeds school wins £12k to go eco-friendly

Iveson Primary School in Tinshill beat seven other projects in the region to win top prize in the M&S Community Energy Fund after attracting 3,525 public votes.

The school plans to use the funding to install a new energy-efficient LED system which automatically shuts off lights when not in use and alters lighting to modify pupils’ moods and behaviours.

This will reduce their electricity consumption and allow the school to re-invest the savings into the children’s education, facilities and activities.

Headteacher Hayley Marshall said: “We are delighted to have won this grant particularly as the whole school community got behind us.

“A huge thank you goes to the children, friends and families of both children and staff who were all pro-active in encouraging people to vote for us.

“Families and staff went along to our local M&S to campaign and collected votes from our wider community. The interest and support we have received in our bid has been phenomenal and our success means we can start on our journey to improve our school and further commit to our ambition to be eco-friendly.”

Jonathan Hazeldine, head of M&S Energy, said: “We were bowled over by the innovation and creativity displayed by this year’s community projects. The fund is a great way for us to connect with some brilliantly innovative energy projects and reach our commitment to help at least 200 communities to reduce their carbon footprint as part of Plan A 2025.”

For more details, visit the website at www.mandsenergyfund.com/