Environmental research grant

King's has received a grant from the Royal Society to assist in the development of a major environmental science project - an ongoing working exhibition on renewable energy and sustainable living, known as The Renewable Energy Cabin (TREC). Head of Science at King's, Dr Roger Poland, has worked alongside physics teacher Matthew Lang and Greenthinking’s environmental management advisor Laurence Smith, to produce the plans for TREC to be launched this spring.

The Carbon Trust estimates that schools in the UK could potentially reduce energy costs by approximately £20 million and prevent 300,000 tonnes of CO 2 emissions from entering the atmosphere by taking steps towards energy conservation. Pupils and staff at King's saved approximately 8% in energy consumption last year by taking simple steps such as turning off lights and computers. The keen interest shown in this branch of science by our pupils led to the TREC proposal.

The working exhibition is based around a wooden cabin located in the environmental garden in the Science Centre, equipped with solar panels, solar voltaic cells and a small wind turbine. Electricity and hot water will be produced via these facilities, while CO 2 savings and the energy generated will be monitored and related to the day to day energy requirements of common equipment, such as TVs or light-bulbs. A mini-cabin known as MiniTREC will be attached to the main cabin, and will be used to determine the effects of energy savings on the likes of double glazing and insulation.

Our pupils will be fully involved in the running of TREC, broadening their knowledge of this aspect of environmental science and developing opinions, whilst spreading awareness through outreach projects involving local schools and community. The chance to see a practical demonstration of the various renewable energy technologies and develop an insight into their associated benefits and limitations will therefore be open to the wider Taunton community.