I joined Pupils and staff at Swanshurst School in Billesley to officially open their new wind turbine.

Citizenship teacher, Doug Smith and Head Teacher Elaine Kenney have championed the school’s green credentials, which already has two solar panels, to global engineering firm Atkins who have paid for the turbine. The wind turbine is another step in Swanshurst’s efforts to ‘go green’ and save on energy costs.

Staff at Atkins were so impressed with the school’s efforts on sustainability, they have set up a link with the school to encourage students to learn more about engineering and green technology.

Andy Duggins, Regional Civils Manager at Atkins said: ‘I’m delighted that Atkins have been able to help Swanshurst in their quest to become more green. Not only is it great that the students can see how to be more energy efficient, they can learn about how engineering makes these things happen.’

The pupils and staff at Swanshurst are setting us all a great example; they’re not just helping reduce their impact on the environment they’re also saving money that can go back into the school rather than being spent on energy costs. I was so pleased to be invited to open the wind turbine and think it’s a fantastic achievement.

Doug Smith said: ‘We are very grateful to Atkins Global Engineering for enabling us to have the wind turbine installed at Swanshurst.  It shows their commitment to sustainable living as well as their desire to encourage more women to take up engineering as a career. 

Since its installation at the end of February the wind turbine has already generated over 100 KWH of electricity or the equivalent energy to power a low energy 20 Watt bulb for 5000 hours.  We are so grateful to Steve McCabe MP to officially open the wind turbine for us and celebrate our sustainable efforts!’