Sint-Clara College Saves €16,000 on Energy Bills
Sint-Clara College from Arendonk, Belgium has been participating in the 2IMPREZS Energy Challenges with the ambitious goal save 30% energy at school by implementing technical measures and changing behaviour. "We are well on our way to achieving the target, we have already saved more than 10% energy in 3 years", says school building manager Lieven Van Baelen.
Energy and climate are not new themes for the school. Even before the start of 2IMPREZS Energy Challenges, steps were taken to make the school more energy efficient. "In 2015, a new building with a high energy performance was put into use," says Lieven. "The walls of the workhouse were insulated in 2018. That year, we also invested in a large solar panel installation." In addition, Lieven explains, "Energy consumption is constantly monitored. This allows abnormal consumption to be dealt with quickly."
Throughout the 2IMPREZS Energy Challenges, the Sint-Clara College has saved 39% on electricity consumption and 2% on natural gas consumption. As a result of the international project, the school now emits 24 tonnes of CO2 fewer every year.
The school still has plans to continue in this low carbon direction. Lieven Van Baelen outlines the school’s plans for the coming months and years: "This year the workhouse will have a new, insulated roof and an economical heating installation. At a later stage, the sports hall will be renovated. An existing block will also be demolished and replaced by a new one. Once all these plans have been realised, energy consumption at the school will be further drastically reduced."