Fife school pupils are taking part in a ground-breaking energy efficiency project that enables them to learn how to conserve energy, protect the environment and cut the fuel bills of the future.

The Green Energy Challenge allows classes at St Agatha’s Primary in Leven to compete to see how they can cut electricity usage, save money and, in the process, improve their energy management awareness.

And the pilot project, generously funded by Fife business FMC through its Greenshoots Fund, has been so successful that it could be extended to other schools.

Elizabeth Wheatley, depute head teacher at St Agatha’s, said: “The children in St Agatha’s are delighted and very excited about being involved in this energy saving project which encompasses many areas of the curriculum particularly environmental education and data handling.

“St. Agatha’s children want to look after the planet and save the world’s resources. We are confident that this energy monitoring system will put us in a strong position to achieve our Eco Schools Green Flag.”

The project is supported by the Fife Housing Association Alliance of Kingdom, Ore Valley, Fife and Glen associations as well as Green Business Fife.

Andrew McDaniel, who represents the Fife housing associations on Green Business Fife, said: “The kids have really enjoyed the competition — as well as learning about how best to use energy they have boosted their numeracy and literacy skills. It has been so successful that we would like to see it extended to other schools.”

Geoff Robotham, chair of Green Business Fife, said: “We are keen to create energy ambassadors within the community and the cascading of the learning from this project to pupils’ friends and family will be a lasting legacy. This project can make a real difference to helping children learn more about the power of the future and help them to understand more about energy management and how their actions can make a real difference.”

Green Business Fife is a not-for-profit network of over 300 businesses which helps local businesses minimise their environmental impact. The Green Energy Challenge for schools has been developed, in partnership with ManageE, a German electronics company and funded by The Greenshoots Fund, an innovative project developed by Dunfermline-based FMC Technologies which aims to deliver real benefits to communities through the provision of funding and support for local projects that will deliver a reduction in carbon emissions.

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