A Sheffield Green Party initiative to raise finance from local people to fund the installation of solar panels on local schools is due to be approved at the next meeting of the Transport Regeneration Committee.
The Green Party first proposed Municipal Climate Bonds as part of their successful Renewable Energy Strategy back in 2022. It was subsequently adopted by the Council at a meeting of the Strategy and Resources Committee in December 2024.
Cllr Alexi Dimond, Chair of the Transport, Regeneration and Climate Committee said,
“We are delighted that this Green Party proposal will now become a reality. What is so inspiring is that Sheffielders have helped make this project a reality. Instead of going to big financial institutions we have raised money from the community, provided local people with a return on their investment and used that funding to put solar panels on schools.
“21 Schools are going to benefit. They will have lower energy bills, lower carbon emissions and have more money to spend on education. This really is a win, win, win situation for the schools , local people and most importantly the pupils.
“We are not simply installing solar panels but also providing an education package that will show school children the huge potential for renewable energy. There are well paid jobs in the renewable energy sector and this project could help inspire the next generation of solar panel installers and wind engineers.
“These first 21 schools are just the beginning. Following the success of the first issue of Climate Bonds there are now plans to launch a second round in December to fund even more investment in renewable energy in Sheffield.”
Schools benefiting from the Solar on Schools Phase 1 scheme
Athelstan Primary School
Bradway Primary School
Coit Primary School
Deepcar St John’s Church of England Junior School
Dore Primary School
Ecclesfield Primary School
Halfway Junior School
High Green Primary School
Holt House Infant School
Intake Primary School
King Edward VII School – Lower School
Lydgate Infant School
Marlcliffe Community Primary School
Mossbrook School
Royd Nursery and Infant School
Sheffield Inclusion Centre
Springfield Primary School
The Rowan School
Watercliffe Meadow Community Primary School
Westways Primary School
Woolley Wood School
