The Department is working closely with BERR and a number of other Government Departments on the installation of renewable energy in all schools, including new school buildings.
The Department has received specific advice from the Biomass Implementation Advisory Group, a joint DEFRA/BERR initiative, on technical issues surrounding the use of biomass and the availability and use of wood fuels and other energy crops as a source of renewable heat.
We have also recently worked with BERR in developing their Draft Strategy for Sustainable Construction (currently out to consultation) which proposes a timetable for carbon reductions from new buildings which will require a significant contribution from renewable and other low carbon sources of energy. We have also been advised of the opportunities to invest in projects to help meet these targets through the BERR funded Low-Impact Buildings Innovation Platform.
BERR have previously developed programmes for primary and secondary schools to provide information and teaching resources about eight key renewable energy sources, and in 2006 DCSF and BERR jointly hosted a workshop to explore how Low Carbon Buildings Programme funding could be utilised within school buildings.