Bursar’s Review

The term ‘renewable energy’ relates to those energies which are seen as free of or low carbon and which are not depleted through their repeated use. They are cleaner and generally more sustainable than fossil or nuclear fuels. Renewable energy is derived principally from Solar radiation and is both the most ancient and modern energy source available. Direct radiation is used for Solar Power and Heating, whereas Indirect radiation produces Bioenergy (photosynthesis), Water andWind power. Non-solar renewables are those produced from Tidal (lunar gravity), Geothermal and Heat gains from Heat Pump Systems. Continued reliance on Fossil and Nuclear Fuels contributes significantly to air pollution and acid rain. In addition, the combustion of fuels and associated carbon dioxide (CO2) generates particulates which enter our respiratory system. “A recent report led by Kings College London and published by the government’s Committee on the Medical Effects of Air Pollutants (COMEAP) estimates that between 28,000 and 36,000 people die as a result of air pollution every year in the UK. ” During October 2018 renewable energy supplied 40% of the 25,378 Gigawatt-hours of Electricity consumed in the United Kingdom, representing a 15.8% increase on October 2017 (IEA, 2018). The increased generation from renewables has contributed significantly to the reduction of CO2 emissions associated with electricity. In 2008 the CO2 content of electricity was 0.4960 kg CO2e kWh. By 2018 this had reduced to 0.28307 kg CO2e kWh, a reduction of 43% (BEIS, 2018). So, switching to renewable electricity today not only contributes to cleaner, safer air quality, it also reduces the effects of Global Warming and with increasing numbers of suppliers now offering renewables at no additional cost, it’s good for the planet and your budget too. Powerful Allies is in the forefront of renewable energy procurement; all Electricity contracts we provide are from 100% Renewable sources at no additional cost and www. powerfulalliesgreen.com provides a host of related data for your information. 100% Renewable Energy – What is it? Call us on 01380 860196 charliebarker@powerfulallies.com Salisbury Cathedral School is one of the oldest and most respected Independent Schools in the country, yet in common with others in the sector, we face considerable challenges daily. Consequently, it was a shock for me to discover that the school had been unwittingly locked into hugely damaging energy contracts, and our energy costs were spiralling out of control. My staff and I were placed under considerable stress at a time when we were working day and night to manage the fallout from COVID. Fortunately, I contacted Powerful Allies. James and his team immediately took Salisbury Cathedral School control of the situation. They worked behind the scenes with our suppliers and successfully reversed the contracts which had been set up without our authority. They then provided the brief to our solicitor to enable us to recover all the costs we had incurred to date. I understand from James that mis-selling of energy contracts is reaching epidemic proportions and urge other schools to contact Powerful Allies; it is certainly worth asking them to look at your current contracts in any event Clive Marriott, Headmaster RECOMMENDED BY