Trident High School powering ahead with energy savings

It has been a great end of term for a group of Trident High School students, not only taking out the Regional Enviro Challenge, but also receiving funding to carry on their good work.

In just under four years, the school’s APEX Energy Student Council has set in place strategies that have resulted in a 34 percent energy-use reduction, which in dollar terms has saved the high school over $125,000.

Submitting a video, illustrating the scope of the initiatives to make their school more energy efficient, sustainable, warmer and drier, was one aspect of the Enviro Challenge. The students also had to prepare a debate and take part in a range of tasks set on the day.

Teacher, Dave Dobbin, who has championed Trident’s Sustainability and Renewable Energy Programme, says he’s very proud of the student’s achievement at a regional level and especially their ongoing voluntary commitment to the project.

“The APEX Student Council has around 14 students from Years 11, 12 and 13. They meet regularly at lunchtimes and after school to implement the energy saving strategies. What they achieve is remarkable, not just in terms of the direct savings to the school, but also in the way their leadership skills develop in tandem.”

“Days after winning the ‘Leading Light Award’ and overall Regional Championship we learned that our latest application to the Eastern Bay Energy Trust was successful. We’re hugely grateful to the Trust and the many local businesses that have supplied, contributed, or donated materials, time and advice to us.”

“The funding from EBET has been instrumental in achieving our energy savings because it means the students have a budget to draw upon to buy equipment such as timers, energy monitors, hot-water cylinder wraps, pipe lagging and lighting sensors; and to secure electricians to install items where necessary,” Mr Dobbin adds.  

Eastern Bay Energy Trust Manager, Rawinia Kamau says Trustees see the grant to the students not only in terms of energy efficiency, but also as an investment in their future as leaders and citizens who have an understanding and commitment to energy sustainability.

Photo caption:

Members of the Trident High School APEX Energy Student Council receiving the Enviro Challenge Regional Championship-winners cheque. Holly Minchington, Tyler O’Brien, Matthew Mount, KT Coffin, Eddie Sykes (Enviro Challenge judge), Evelyn Barton, Ashleigh Pottage and Georgia Melsop.