Pupils explore renewable technologies in thought-provoking educational visit

Students from a Primary School in Rattlesden, Suffolk have been exploring renewable technology with heat pump manufacturer, Mitsubishi Electric – which has been offering its Renewable Training Centre to schools who wish to study renewable energy as part of the curriculum.

Travel costs for the visit to the company’s headquarters in Hatfield, Hertfordshire was provided by Bury St Edmunds-based, Pitkin & Ruddock who’s Sales & Marketing Director, Damian Nunn is a parent at Rattlesden Primary School, near Bury St Edmunds.

Pitkin & Ruddock operates throughout East Anglia and specialises in renewable technology alongside more conventional air conditioning and refrigeration. The company is a Business Solutions Partner with Mitsubishi Electric, and Damian heard about the manufacturer’s innovative educational programme, whilst attending an annual sales conference.

“It seemed to be a really well designed event which I thought might benefit the school and get the children thinking about their part in combating climate change,” explained Damian, whose nine-year-old son went on the visit along with 16 classmates.

The Year 5 students spent the morning learning the importance of reducing energy use, re-using things wherever possible and recycling to help reduce carbon emissions and limit the effects of climate change. 

The event has been carefully designed to both fit in well with the national curriculum and challenge the children to think about the energy they use.

Using a specially designed workbook and purpose-built experiments, the children discovered how photovoltaic panels use solar energy to reduce electricity consumption and also investigated how air source heat pumps can provide heating in the middle of winter, by extracting ‘free’ energy from the outdoor air.  They also recycled their drinking cups into bird feeders and heard about the company’s special wormery, where kitchen waste is recycled.

“It was an outstanding day that captivated the children – and the adults!” commented Year 5 teacher, Jo Uttley, who led the visit. “The activities were interesting, challenging and relevant to both the children’s current learning and the National Curriculum,” she added. 

Damian Nunn was quick to agree as was his nine-year-old son: “He wanted to know if Mitsubishi Electric had any jobs going as he thought it was brilliant,” he said.

“Around 44 per cent of total UK carbon emissions come from the buildings we live, work and play in, so we have to find ways of reducing energy use in our homes and workplaces and there is no better place to start than with our children,” added Damian. 

Mitsubishi Electric is offering its facilities to schools to increase awareness of renewable energies and widen pupils’ understanding of how these technologies work.  For further information, contact Jenny Maskrey by email:  thelearningcurve@meuk.mee.com

Ends

Note to editor:

Founded in 1921, Mitsubishi Electric is a global, market leading, environmental technologies manufacturer, producing an advanced range of heating, air conditioning and ventilation equipment. The company realises that ensuring the right solutions are selected for each individual building, requires collaboration by all involved. Mitsubishi Electric has therefore changed the way it does business to ensure engagement with all involved in delivering sustainable buildings so that together, we can make a world of difference.

For further editorial information please contact:

Russell Jones: Email: russell.jones@meuk.mee.com
PR & Communications Manager: Telephone: 01707 278772

PLEASE NOTE: Colour separation or production charge requests will only be processed by email.  Please send ALL requests to coloursep@meuk.mee.com.  

MEL/072/13