Reddam House Constantia has launched a renewable energy programme, starting with a pilot solar project that will produce 40% of the school’s power needs.
If successful, the system will be rolled out across the Inspired Education Group at selected Reddam House and Reddford House schools.
According to the Inspired Education Group, the new solar system will be a grid-tied 244 kilowatt solar solution that will save 172.72 tons of CO₂ emissions each year and potentially generate 440 610 kilowatt-hours (kWh) of energy annually, the equivalent power used by more than 40 households per year.
The Reddam House Constantia pilot installation will test the viability of executing the project at other Reddam House and Reddford House schools in South Africa.
Inspired Education Group’s Africa CEO Ravi Nadasen said that in line with South Africa’s Paris Agreement commitment to substantially reduce carbon emissions by 2030, the group had recognised the need to reduce its own environmental impact and its dependence on power supplied by utility companies.
“Our system in Reddam House Constantia alone is projected to decrease carbon emissions that equate to saving 7 933 trees per year,” he said, adding, “By switching to solar, companies can offset energy costs and reduce the strain on the country’s power infrastructure.”
Mr Nadasen said that by embracing this stance on renewable energy, the group would be in a strong position to educate young people about the crucial need for sustainable solutions and the impact they have on our world.
In the future, the project plans to make provision for excess power generated by the system to be fed back to the local power grid.
“This will benefit the utility provider and lower strain on the existing infrastructure,” Mr Nadasen said.
