London,
16
December
2019
|
15:44
Europe/London

Hampstead School plans for a brighter future by raising money to go solar

Hampstead School wants to go green by installing solar panels funded through a community share offer.

The local secondary school is teaming up with Camden Council and community energy organisation Power Up North London (PUNL) to install solar panels in a bid to cut down on harmful Co2 emissions and help tackle the climate crisis.

The project will be funded through a community share offer led by PUNL, which will give local people and businesses a stake in the ownership and management of locally-produced clean energy.

This scheme is part of the Council’s response to the UK’s first Citizens’ Assembly on the climate crisis which was held in Camden over the summer. The Citizens’ Assembly called for Camden to increase solar power across the borough.

Jacques Szemalikowski, Headteacher of Hampstead School, said: “I’m really proud that Hampstead is pioneering solar energy in Camden schools as it's not only great for the environment, but also saves us money. This scheme builds on our commitment to the planet as we have already installed solar panels on our main East Building. I encourage parents, communities and businesses to buy a share in a project that will contribute to cleaning up our air and saving the planet.”

Councillor Adam Harrison, the borough’s Cabinet Member for a Sustainable Camden, said: “It’s no secret we’re facing a climate emergency which is affecting us fast, so it’s more important than ever we find innovative ways to tackle it. I firmly believe the only way we can stop climate change is for everyone to work together, and this initiative will do just that, as it brings together schools, businesses and the local community. We know we must go further, but we’re determined to do everything we can to be front-runners in sustainability and ensure the borough is one of the greenest in the capital.”

Councillor Angela Mason, Cabinet Member for Best Start for Children and Families, said: “Camden’s schools are ambitious to lead the fight against climate change. This is a great opportunity for us all to invest in the future.”

Jo Macrae, a Director of Power up North London, added: PUNL is working to support the creation of greener and more resilient communities, and to accelerate London’s journey to zero carbon. Our grassroots organisation has a strong track record of success, with two projects up and running already  - one on a church in Highgate and another with a GP practice in Kentish Town and several others in the pipeline in Camden and Islington. If the investment target is reached, PUNL will manage the project, including delivering all stages of installation on the roof space of Hampstead School, free of charge.

Find out more:

  • For more information on the project and to find out how you can invest in this green project, head to www.powerupnorthlondon.org/school
  • Or for general enquiries, please email: powerupnorthlondon@gmail