Electric Ireland and the Education Authority: Empowering Primary Schools with Wattrics, an Energy Monitoring Tool
In a significant step towards fostering sustainability in education, Electric Ireland has partnered with the Education Authority in Northern Ireland to introduce their innovative energy monitoring tool, Wattrics, to primary schools. This initiative, launched in November, saw the installation of Wattrics in three primary schools: St Mary’s Primary School, Bready Jubilee Primary School, and Lisnagelvin Primary School. This project is a testament to Electric Ireland’s commitment to promoting energy efficiency and sustainability in educational institutions.
The Project
The installation of Wattrics in these schools was a collaborative effort between Electric Ireland and their trusted partners, DCSix Technologies. Following the successful installation, Keith Dawson, Electric Ireland’s Customer Relationship Manager, visited Lisnagelvin Primary School. Keith, who manages the Education Authority account, has been instrumental in bringing this project to fruition. During his visit, he engaged with the school’s Eco Group, discussing with students’ ways to reduce energy consumption and lower costs. This interaction not only highlighted the practical benefits of Wattrics but also emphasized the importance of a collective effort from all members within the schools to achieve their sustainability goals.
The Competition
With the systems now operational, the focus shifts to engaging students in the new year. A pre-Christmas communication will be sent to the three schools, marking the official start of the project and encouraging a significant “switch off” in the final days before the Christmas break. This initiative aims to instil a sense of responsibility and awareness among students regarding energy usage.
The project will feature three mini-interschool competitions, designed to run from January to the mid-term break in February, from the end of February to the Easter holidays, and from the end of Easter to the start of the summer term. These competitions will motivate students to actively participate in energy-saving activities, fostering a spirit of healthy competition and collaboration.
Throughout the year, Electric Ireland and DCSix Technologies will generate regular reports to track each school’s progress. These reports will provide valuable insights into energy consumption patterns and highlight the impact of the students’ efforts. By monitoring and sharing these results, the initiative aims to create a transparent and engaging platform for students to learn about and contribute to energy conservation.
Looking Ahead
As we look forward to an exciting year ahead, the collaboration between Electric Ireland, the Education Authority, and the participating schools promises to yield significant benefits. The Wattrics energy monitoring tool not only helps schools reduce their energy consumption and costs but also serves as an educational resource, teaching students the importance of sustainability.
This project will illustrate how innovative technology, and collaborative efforts can drive positive change in our communities. We are eager to see the progress and achievements of the students as they embark on this journey towards a more sustainable future.