Ashburton School Eco-Energisers survey National Park buildings

As part of Climate Week, Dartmoor National Park Authority invited 8 representatives of the Eco-Energisers group from Ashburton Primary School to carry out a waste and energy audit of their headquarters building at Parke, Bovey Tracey.

Under the guidance of the EcoEnergiser teacher, Helen Roser, and Governor, Heatherbelle Bates, the children first analysed the rubbish from the previous day, which had been kept behind awaiting their post-mortem! With rubber gloves on, their initial positive reaction to seeing less than two bin bags of rubbish was tempered by finding fruit waste and paper amongst the debris.

After taking a quick audit, the group then walked round the building looking at the recycling opportunities, insulation, printer and computer use as well as checking heating and lighting. Quizzing the staff in each room the children managed to build up a picture of how well the staff engaged with recycling and energy use.

Helen Roser, EcoEnergiser teacher said:

'The opportunity for the children to carry out an audit on an office during the working week was fantastic. The EcoEnergisers were able to see what measures had been put in place and learnt some valuable lessons for when we start taking waste and energy audits around Ashburton. The children also coped very well with presenting their initial report to so many staff and we would like to thank all the staff for the welcome they offered us.'

The children then had 10 minutes to prepare an initial report which they presented to staff who had gathered to listen to their verdict. So how did the staff at the Parke office do? Whilst generally very positive about the actions that had been taken (interactive lights, heating off, composting in the kitchen and paper recycling in all rooms) the EcoEnergisers felt that the disposal of yoghurt pots could be better, more signs on recycling bins and further encouragement to make sure all lunchtime fruit makes it to the compost caddy! The National Park Authority now awaits a formal report.

The EcoEnergisers were invited to Parke to follow up on their award from the Dartmoor Sustainable Development Fund in December. The National Park Authority office acted as a trial run before the group undertake similar audits in public buildings around Ashburton.

Ends

For further information

Alison Kohler, Director of Sustainable Communities

Richard Drysdale, Sustainable Development Officer

Mike Nendick, Communications Officer

Dartmoor National Park Authority

Tel: (01626) 832093

Notes for Editors

The Ashburton Primary School EcoEnergisers group received £6,113 from the Dartmoor Sustainable Development Fund in December 2010. This funding will enable the school to undertake a number of measures to reduce their carbon footprint and to also develop a waste and energy audit toolkit which they will undertake on several public buildings in Ashburton.

Climate Week (21 – 27 March) was a national event to shine a spotlight on the many positive steps already being taken in workplaces and communities across Britain. The power of these real, practical examples – the small improvements and the big innovations – will then inspire millions more people. Thousands of businesses, charities, schools, councils and others ran events during Climate Week on 21-27 March 2011. They will show what can be achieved, share ideas and encourage thousands more to act during the rest of the year. See www.climateweek.com (external website, opens new window)

Dartmoor National Park Authority’s purposes under the Environment Act 1995 are:

• to conserve and enhance the natural beauty, wildlife and cultural heritage of the National Park;

• to promote opportunities for the understanding and enjoyment of the special qualities of the area by the public.

In carrying out this work, we are also required to seek to foster the economic and social well-being of local communities within the National Park.

Agendas for full Dartmoor National Park Authority meetings and Dartmoor National Park Authority planning meetings are available on the Authority's website.

You can receive an e-mail notification each time a News Release is issued by the Dartmoor National Park Authority. Visit www.dartmoor-npa.gov.uk and click on About us/ News.

For News Releases from all UK National Parks visit www.nationalparks.gov.uk (external website, opens new window)

For maps, guide books, trail guides, clothing and other Dartmoor merchandise visit Dartmoor National Park Authority’s Online Shop at www.dartmoor-npa.gov.uk

There are 15 members of the National Parks family in the UK: Brecon Beacons, Dartmoor, Exmoor, Lake District, New Forest, Northumberland, North York Moors, Peak District, Pembrokeshire Coast, Snowdonia, South Downs, Yorkshire Dales, Loch Lomond & The Trossachs, the Cairngorms and the Broads.  National Parks are of special value to the whole nation because of their great beauty, their wildlife and cultural interests and the opportunities they offer for quiet enjoyment.  However, they are not nationally owned - the land is in the hands of many landowners or occupiers including farmers.  Over 34,500 people live in Dartmoor National Park and many millions of visits are made to it each year.