Published Wednesday, 30 May, 2007 at 11:21 AM
Minister for Environment and Multiculturalism
The Honourable Lindy Nelson-Carr
Toolooa State School makes smart switch to solar
Toolooa State High School is the latest Queensland school to switch to solar power, saving the school an estimated $10,000 and reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 64 tonnes over the next 20 years.
Environment Minister Lindy Nelson-Carr said Toolooa State High School recently installed solar panels on its roof under the Environmental Protection Agency’s Solar Schools program, in partnership with Ergon Energy.
Ms Nelson-Carr said more than 86 schools throughout Queensland had switched to solar power, producing significant cost savings and environmental benefits.
“Each year, the power generated by the solar panels will save Toolooa State High School an estimated $500 and 3.2 tonnes of greenhouse gases,” Ms Nelson-Carr said.
“If you combine all the schools participating in the program over the life of the system, they will be saving a total of about 5440 tonnes of greenhouse gasses.
“This is equivalent to taking 1700 cars off the road.”
Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Environment Michael Choi, who represented the Minister at Toolooa today, said by signing up to the Solar Schools program, Toolooa had received a $25,000 photovoltaic (solar) system.
“This solar system will help the school generate its own power and save money on electricity bills,” Mr Choi said.
“As part of the program, students will see first-hand how a solar power system works and will learn about protecting the environment.
“Schools are a great place to introduce kids to the benefits of solar power and energy efficiency.
“By focussing on our younger generation, we can instil in them an understanding of the environmental, social, and economic benefits that renewable energy can provide.”
Education and Training Minister Rod Welford said the Solar Schools program was a great way to engage students’ interest in environmental management and sustainability.
“Many students already have a keen interest in these topics because they understand they will inherit the environment we are creating today,” Mr Welford said.
“Our schools are a great place for students to learn what they can do to help reduce greenhouse emissions and our impact on the environment.”
Ms Nelson-Carr congratulated Toolooa State High School on joining the Solar Schools program and providing its students with a valuable hands-on learning tool about the benefits of renewable energy.
“And I’d like to congratulate Queensland Alumina Limited for joining the scheme and sponsoring this system and Ergon Energy for their ongoing support.”
Media contact: Karla Steen 3336 8004 or Lisa Gilby 3336 8002
Environment Minister Lindy Nelson-Carr said Toolooa State High School recently installed solar panels on its roof under the Environmental Protection Agency’s Solar Schools program, in partnership with Ergon Energy.
Ms Nelson-Carr said more than 86 schools throughout Queensland had switched to solar power, producing significant cost savings and environmental benefits.
“Each year, the power generated by the solar panels will save Toolooa State High School an estimated $500 and 3.2 tonnes of greenhouse gases,” Ms Nelson-Carr said.
“If you combine all the schools participating in the program over the life of the system, they will be saving a total of about 5440 tonnes of greenhouse gasses.
“This is equivalent to taking 1700 cars off the road.”
Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Environment Michael Choi, who represented the Minister at Toolooa today, said by signing up to the Solar Schools program, Toolooa had received a $25,000 photovoltaic (solar) system.
“This solar system will help the school generate its own power and save money on electricity bills,” Mr Choi said.
“As part of the program, students will see first-hand how a solar power system works and will learn about protecting the environment.
“Schools are a great place to introduce kids to the benefits of solar power and energy efficiency.
“By focussing on our younger generation, we can instil in them an understanding of the environmental, social, and economic benefits that renewable energy can provide.”
Education and Training Minister Rod Welford said the Solar Schools program was a great way to engage students’ interest in environmental management and sustainability.
“Many students already have a keen interest in these topics because they understand they will inherit the environment we are creating today,” Mr Welford said.
“Our schools are a great place for students to learn what they can do to help reduce greenhouse emissions and our impact on the environment.”
Ms Nelson-Carr congratulated Toolooa State High School on joining the Solar Schools program and providing its students with a valuable hands-on learning tool about the benefits of renewable energy.
“And I’d like to congratulate Queensland Alumina Limited for joining the scheme and sponsoring this system and Ergon Energy for their ongoing support.”
Media contact: Karla Steen 3336 8004 or Lisa Gilby 3336 8002