iNet gets an education in renewable energies

An innovative, Lincolnshire-based renewable energies installation company has utilised funding from the Sustainable Construction iNet (iNet) to develop an education package for Key Stage 2 and 3 children around green and renewable energies. Using data from Solar Photovoltaic (PV) installations such as the project at Bardney Fire Station, the first of its kind for a Fire and Rescue Service in the UK, Freewatt Ltd was able to create a credible product to educate children not only on PV in their school or local community, but also weather observations and reducing CO2.

Freewatt was established as the first carbon-neutral company in Lincolnshire and after receiving £7,000 in funding support from the iNet, Freewatt matched an additional £7,000 in order to work with Bishop Grosseteste University College Lincoln on developing the education package to the very highest standard.

Innovation advisors from the iNet were able to support Freewatt by making the recommendation based on their needs, and referring them to Bishop Grosseteste, enabling the company to focus on the education package, which has been a long-term goal of Freewatt’s managing director, Julian Patrick.

Mr Patrick said: “As a growing company with restraints on funding and personnel, the iNet gave us the right amount of support to complete this project. Educating children on renewable energies is high on Freewatt’s agenda and we are pleased to have worked with Bishop Grosseteste University College Lincoln and the iNet in seeing this education package come to fulfilment.”

Barrie Billinghay, innovation advisor, iNet added: “What is great about Freewatt is that they are not just doing ‘the job’ but they care about educating the next generation on renewable energies. The iNet is in place to assist companies like Freewatt who have an idea or concept they wish to progress but need that extra input to get it off the ground.”

Freewatt has recently been given the green light to build a large scale solar farm in Lincoln at its Danes Farm headquarters in Stow. The 3.3 megawatt farm will consist of 14,544 photovoltaic panels and when completed in August 2011, will provide enough electricity needed to power the villages of Stow, Sturton-by-Stow and Willingham-by-Stow. 

The Sustainable Construction iNet is funded by East Midlands Development Agency (emda) and the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF). In May 2011 the iNet moves to its new headquarters, the iCon building in Daventry, a purpose-built business hub featuring best-practice design with sustainability. Interested parties should contact the iNet on info@construction-inet.org.uk or telephone 01604 892326.