The school has fitted out its classrooms with LED (Light Emitting Diode) technology after a survey by Oxfordshire County Council showed replacing old lights could cut energy bills and carbon emissions significantly.

The lighting cost the school an initial £16,690 to install but will make savings of at least £5,600 per year and reduce energy use by more than 26,000 kWh. The lamps need very little maintenance and will last for 55,000 hours compared with 15,000 hours for the lights they have replaced.

Efficiency drive

Headteacher Chris Hirst said: “We recognised this as a clear money saving investment for the school that would contribute significantly towards our drive to be more energy efficient and lower our carbon emissions. The Governing Body backed the investment decision wholeheartedly.

“The LED lights were installed over the summer holidays and have not only reduced our bills already but as an added bonus the staff and pupils alike are finding  the new learning conditions a great improvement as there is no flicker and the lights turn on instantly.”

Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Growth and Infrastructure Lorraine Lindsay-Gale added: “Lighting accounts for about 50 per cent of schools’ electricity needs and LED technology can have a real impact on the lighting costs for our schools. It’s great to hear the new lights have gone down well with staff and pupils.”

Sonning Common Primary School opted for LED lighting following a recent trial of the technology at John Mason School in Abingdon. The lights can achieve a 40 per cent increase in efficiency compared to other available technologies such as high efficiency fluorescent strip lighting.

Energy surveys

By March 2012 all schools in the county will have received an energy survey within the last four years, identifying cost-cutting energy efficiency measures.

Schools wishing to cut costs and save carbon should visit www.oxfordshire.gov.uk/schoolscutcarbon or email schools.carbon@oxfordshire.gov.uk.