'Sustainability has become a more and more frequently discussed topic with a continually heightened level of concern around it. Unfortunately the view taken by many is that a small change in your lifestyle can't make a difference to the wider world, and that it should be left to governments and industry to make the change. This view is seen in most schools too.
Thankfully Sherfield is not like most schools. In 2022 we will be striving to improve our carbon footprint, which is not only going above and beyond what is currently seen elsewhere, but most importantly, it means that we are doing our bit to help solve the climate crisis.
The goal for the school will be to eventually reach carbon neutrality or ideally carbon negative. Given that the school is a Grade II listed building dating back to the 1800’s, net zero may seem like an unattainable goal due to poorer insulation, single glazed windows and various other inefficient factors acting as hurdles in the pursuit of sustainability.
Nevertheless, I'm pleased to say that after reading a recent article in the Financial Times, I have learnt that retrofitting grade I and grade II buildings as eco powered properties is becoming more and more feasible. The article states that almost 500,000 buildings in the UK are listed, and therefore there is a pressing need to improve their sustainability. It also explains that there are already workable options available, and that the National Trust has installed heat pump systems in 71 of their properties. At this point nearly half of the group's heat comes from renewables, now including solar panels.
Additionally, Sherfield can exploit the luxury of having non listed buildings where eco-friendly amendments could easily be made, in which case the entirety of the school would benefit. This means that by using the large sports hall roof and the extensive grounds that we have available, we could follow in the footsteps of the National Trust, having solar power and ground source heat pumps without the need for planning permission.
The nature of our school means that ultimately, carbon neutrality is a viable goal that we can hopefully achieve in the not so distant future. This gives us something to feel proud about, especially during times like now when COP26 is taking place, and we’re reminded of the work that desperately needs to be done globally to ensure sacrifices don’t need to be made in the future.'
Written by Jude, Sherfield Head Boy (2021-22)
Head Prefects' Blog News Sixth Form
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