Pupils at one of Torbay's biggest primary schools will be part of a greener future thanks to a major upgrade to the heating and hot water system.

The project at Sherwell Valley Primary School in Torquay will see end-of-life gas boilers in the lower blocks replaced with air source heat pump systems.

This will provide heating and hot water and result in savings on the school energy bill as well as cutting carbon emissions.

Sherwell Valley currently has more than 700 pupils aged from two to 11 and is one of the largest maintained primary schools in Torbay.

Installing the heat pump systems is forecast to save an estimated 32 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions every year.

Alongside the heat pump works, we are carrying out two other projects this summer to improve energy efficiency at the school:

• Fitting solar panels to generate electricity which can be used by the heat pumps, further reducing energy bills
• Upgrading windows to triple glazing at the front of the school to reduce heat loss in cold weather and keep it cooler in the summer.

It is estimated that the change to heat pumps alone will save around £2,000 a year at current energy rates.

Chris Lewis, Deputy Leader of Torbay Council, said: "It is great to see this scheme come forward to deliver a much better learning environment for the pupils at Sherwell Valley, cut energy costs and reduce carbon emissions.

"The projects we are delivering under our Climate Change Action Plan like this one are resulting in real improvements to the lives of local people as we work with partners to help create a more sustainable future." 

Cllr Nick Bye, Torbay Council's Cabinet Member for Children's Services, said: "I'm pleased to see this scheme is due to start during the summer and would like to thank everyone who has helped to make it happen.

"It is just one example of how we are improving facilities for our children and young people, so they have the best possible education and training to fulfil their potential."

Sherwell Valley Primary School Headteacher Cristy Nelson said: "We talk a lot about sustainability with our children, so it’s fantastic to see that put into action with this upgrade.

"Moving away from gas and switching to heat pumps lets us lead by example by cutting our carbon emissions.

"It’s a brilliant, real-world example for the pupils of how we can all help look after our environment and build a greener future."

The work is due to take place over the summer holidays to avoid disruption to learning.

The heat pump installation will be carried out by South Devon-based contractor Murch and Baker.

A Murch and Baker spokesperson said: "We are thrilled to be working with Torbay Council to deliver this carbon-saving project for Sherwell Valley Primary School.

"As well as helping to reduce emissions and support a more sustainable future, the improvements will create a more comfortable and pleasant environment for the children and staff, while also helping to lower energy costs for the school.

"As a part of our social value commitment, we are also proud to support two care-experienced local young people through training and work placement opportunities as part of the project.”

The decarbonisation scheme at Sherwell Valley is being part-funded by a grant of £311,600 from the Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme. The scheme is delivered by Salix on behalf of the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero. 

Salix is a public body that delivers government funding to the public sector to improve energy efficiency and reduce carbon emissions. The rest of the funding comes from our capital investment programme.

Director of Public Sector Decarbonisation at Salix Ian Rodger said: “Decarbonisation is no longer an ambition for the future, it is an urgent responsibility of the present.

“We’re delighted to work with Torbay Council, to deliver funding through the Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme. The council is taking a decisive step towards a cleaner, more resilient future.

"These upgrades at a popular local school are more than energy efficiency measures; they are a commitment to safeguarding a vital local school, reducing carbon emissions at scale, and ensuring that a school communities rely on today remains sustainable for the generations to come. Climate change is not waiting, and neither are we.”

The project is a major part of our work to cut carbon dioxide emissions from its buildings and another big step on the way towards delivering its Carbon Neutral Action Plan.

This sets out how the Council is reducing carbon dioxide output as it works towards being carbon neutral by 2030.

It is doing this by tackling emissions including from heat and power in its buildings, staff travel and other transport.

Work at Sherwell Valley is scheduled to start on-site at the end of July and be finished by early September in time for the school to reopen.

There is more information about action on climate change in Torbay on the Torbay Council website at www.torbay.gov.uk/climate-change .

A video interview with Cristy Nelson, Headteacher of Sherwell Valley Primary School, and Cllr Chris Lewis, Deputy Leader of Torbay Council, is available for video and audio use on Torbay Council's YouTube channel at https://youtu.be/LnHdqAetyLg?si=h9vdhuYe9uPn6Aob