School unveils wind turbine

10:00pm Thursday 21st August 2008

FOUNDATIONS for a greener future were laid at Queen Elizabeth Humanities College on Tuesday when the school erected its long-awaited wind turbine.

The turbine will be the centre-piece of the school’s upcoming Ecofest in September where green issues will be highlighted with displays, music and special guests.

It will generate 9.61 megawatts and decrease the school’s ecological ‘footprint’ by 5.8 tonnes of carbon dioxide every year.

That amount of energy could make 250,000 cups of tea or power a television for 18 years.

Sue Taylor, teachers and Ecoschool coordinator, said: “It’s meant an incredible amount of work for us over the past two-and-a-half years.

“We’re hoping to save a substantial amount of money one our electricity bills. The students who are coming in for their GCSE results tomorrow are going to be bowled over.”

Deputy headteacher Dr Michael Goodman said: “This has become a landmark project really. It will really remind everybody we’re an Eco-School.”

The turbine is 15 metres high, with a blade radius of just under six feet. It is situated along the Hereford Road side of the QE.

“Despite its size, it's not obtrusive,” added Dr Goodman.

Ecofest 2008 kicks off on Saturday, September 13 with a whole host of attractions including live music, alternative energy displays and a visit from Kate and her dog Gin who were runners-up in this year's Britain’s Got Talent competition.

Tickets and information will be available from Anne Davies at the QE on 01885 482230 or by visiting www.queenelizabeth.hereford.sch.uk.