Green Schools Flag 2020
In such times of uncertainty, one thing is for sure; Dunmore Community School is environmentally conscious. We have just heard the fantastic news that we have been successful in obtaining yet another green school flag under the theme of Global Citizenship: Energy.
We have been acknowledged for the positive impact our work has made and the Green Schools awarding body were very impressed with the activities we have been undergoing. Our hardworking committee of Caoimhe Herviaux, Shanell Ronayne, Ciara Keane, Cian McWalters, Eoin Conneally, Erica Ryan, Isabella Gheorge, Isabelle Murray with staff members Mr. Quinn, Ms. Griffiths, Mr. Fleming, Ms. Davin, Ms. McHugh and Ms. O’Reilly must be commended on being generous with their time, their hard work, their persistence and their creativity in coming up with plans to make us an energy-efficient school. No small thanks either to the tireless work of our auxiliary staff. Our caretaker John and our cleaners Mary and Patsy have been key to making our goals realities.
We would also like to thank the school population for their support and participation with the programme, it really is a team effort. The last two years, while we have been pursuing this flag, has seen some major developments in our school. The tireless work of Mr. Quinn and Mr. Fleming were instrumental to this with their carefully constructed research and application securing us funding for a pilot scheme of a major deep energy retrofit. This new insulation of the old building and a change in fuel from oil to gas, a cleaner fuel, external led lighting, new double glazed windows and doors have all had a major effect on our energy use and carbon emissions. They also secured a total of 19 solar panels to generate our own energy. Our reading of the meters highlights that all our work has resulted in a 14.3% reduction in our energy use and a 22.5% reduction in our carbon emissions. I think you will agree that these are colossal numbers and deserve to be celebrated.
There are so many other projects at play in a school-wide undertaking which are making us more aware of our actions and effectively more green. These include but are not limited to a pollinator zone, a bug hotel, a vegetable garden, gardening lessons, junk kouture participation which has resulted in a space secured in the All Irelands and the Binja’s success in the SEAI competition, One Good Idea, making them All Ireland winners. We are so proud of our school community for being so proactive. We look forward to the future when we can have the opportunity to celebrate with a flag-raising ceremony. Just remember this work continues so… Don’t be Fuelish! There is too much energy conversation, not enough energy conservation.
@GreenSchoolsIre @SEAI_Schools @SEAI_ie #OneGoodIdea
