SOLAR panels have been installed on the roof of a Leominster school in a council bid to cut carbon emissions.

Situated on the roof of Earl Mortimer College and Sixth Form Centre on South Street, the 88 new panels are expected to generate 28,625 kWh per year and deliver an annual carbon reduction of just over 10 tonnes of CO2e / yr.

The installation cost of £17,550 was match funded by a 50 percent grant from the Sustainable Energy in Public Buildings programme, which is a European Regional Development Fund grant scheme for innovative low carbon measures in public buildings across the Marches.

With projected savings to the council of £3,807 every year, Herefordshire Council say this means the installation will repay their funding within three years.

Cllr Trish Marsh, Cabinet Member for Environment, Economy and Skills, said: “This exciting project is part of a wider programme of carbon reduction projects that are currently underway as part of our strong commitment to tackling the climate emergency.

"By continuing to invest in projects such as this one we are not only reducing our carbon footprint, but also helping to reduce our running costs and improve local energy security.”

A Herefordshire Council spokesperson said: "The latest Greenhouse Gas Report (2018/19) shows that Herefordshire Council has delivered a 43 percent reduction in its CO2 emissions.

"Based on a target reduction of 40 percent by the year 2020, the council has exceeded this aspiration two years early and illustrated its continued commitment to tackling the Climate Emergency."

For more information on how Herefordshire Council is helping to address climate change, please visit our Climate page.