Law 24!

Comment from Anya
Time: May 28, 2007, 6:02 pm

I think the wind turbines would be a good idea but not if they are going to take over the playgrounds!

Comment from Christy and Hamish Barbour
Time: May 30, 2007, 7:45 am

We think that it’s a good idea to have a wind turbine at school. It will give us electricity all the time because it is windy in the playground We have stood underneath a huge windturbine on the island of Tiree, it makes a really nice swishing sound and doesn’t scare the birds!

Comment from megan and victoria
Time: May 30, 2007, 4:04 pm

i think getting a wind turbine is a great idea it would help the school a lot and thats ther next step to have an inviromental school!! by megan

i think its a great idea to it would help the enviroment and if u do it hopefully more schools will!by victoria

Comment from Lydia’s mum
Time: May 30, 2007, 4:53 pm

Yes,I think that getting a wind turbine is an interesting idea as long as there’s still lots of space for the children to play.

Comment from Callum Lancaster’s Mum
Time: May 30, 2007, 5:13 pm

I think a wind turbine is a good idea for the school, just wonder where it’s going to go!! What about solar panels, or is there not enough sunshine in North Berwick to create a regular power supply. It does seem a great expense, and something I have not come across at a primary school before. It will be interesting to see how funds are raised.

Comment from Heather’s Mum
Time: May 30, 2007, 5:40 pm

Yes,I think the wind turbine is a great idea because it will save money and it is a great idea to power your own electricity.

Comment from Cameron T’s mum
Time: May 30, 2007, 6:16 pm

I think it’s the way forward nowadays. We all need to be eco aware and the children at primary schools today will influence our future. (It might be a good idea to speak to schools who already have a wind turbine to find out all the pros and cons, about position etc.) What’s good enough for Gullane is good enough for Law!

Comment from Diana’s Mum
Time: May 30, 2007, 6:46 pm

Lots of pros and cons I would imagine - concerns might be space, cost, how much power would one turbine produce? Solar panels are great idea too - anything that helps with the environment and makes future generations more eco-aware is definitely to be encouraged.

Comment from Karen Wightman
Time: May 30, 2007, 7:12 pm

In principle I think a wind turbine and other more environmentally friendly ways to produce power are a very good idea. 2 questions: how big would a turbine need to be, if it is to be effective for Law, and secondly how much would it cost? How long would it take to pay for itself? That’s 3 questions!!!

Comment from Joe H
Time: May 30, 2007, 7:29 pm

I think it’s an interesting idea to have a wind turbine at the school, it’s certainly windy enough in North Berwick, though there are several points to be considered - space, cost, effectiveness and are there any other alternatives?

Comment from kayreen Jones
Time: May 30, 2007, 7:41 pm

I feel a wind turbine needs to be thought about carefully as they cost £20000 and save £600 a year (approx) in electricity that would take 33.333333….years to pay off the outlay. Solar panels would be a good idea to consider also as they react to UVA/UVB so we would not always need a sunny day. It depends where the funds are going to come from! and, who is going to fundraise? Instead of trying to diversify I would like to see better recycling at school, places for bottles/cans/tetrapack cartons etc. And switching lights off that are unneccessary! What about the council replacing all lights with enery saving lights or a school heating system that works on bio oil?
Thanks Gareth for giving us this family debate.

Comment from Morag’s dad
Time: May 30, 2007, 7:45 pm

A wind turbine could be a good idea if there were appropriate answers to the following questions.
1) How much electricity would it produce? Would it be worth the cost? The project would have to be large enough to justify its existence.
2) What would it look like? Would it dominate the school?
3) How many turbines would you need to provide electricity for the school?

Comment from Emily’s Mum
Time: May 30, 2007, 7:46 pm

I think it is an excellent idea to have a wind turbine. The Seabird Centre is a good example of a wind turbine in operation. It would be interesting if it had a visible meter so we could see how much power it is generating. I also think it sends out all the right messages especially to children about how important it is to do everything possible to save the environment. I also think that solar panels should be considered as an option although these would not be as effective in winter.

Comment from Ross’ Mum
Time: May 30, 2007, 8:00 pm

I think it would be excellent for the school to have a wind turbine - I’ve heard of a few other schools who have them and they seem to be working well. It gives the right message to children about helping the environment and I agree with Emily’s Mum that solar panels should be considered as well.

Comment from Gavin’s Mum
Time: May 30, 2007, 8:31 pm

Given that there is so much resistance to wind turbines/farms being sited in the countryside, the very idea of erecting one in the middle of a town seems ludicrous. The obvious extention to this would be the potential of having a wind turbine on the top of every house in the town. Solar panels are a much more established and accepted method of going green in a town or city.

Comment from Megan’s Mum
Time: May 30, 2007, 8:48 pm

i think its a good idea to have a wind turbine because it saves energy and will save the school alot of money on electricity.

Comment from Caitlin’s dad
Time: May 30, 2007, 8:54 pm

Yes.Any renewable energy source will over time save the school money,help Law become more eco-friendly and reduce climate change.It would be a clear and visible demonstration of commitment to a greener future for North Berwick and Scotland-bring on Windy Miller.

Comment from Andrew’s mum
Time: May 30, 2007, 9:03 pm

It sets a very good example to the pupils (and parents!) - my only question is is it the best use of the funds available? If combined with reduction in energy consumption and good building insulation it could really make a difference.

Comment from Alec’s Mum
Time: May 30, 2007, 11:00 pm

Saving energy or using renewable energy is a very good idea however, I would suggest that ways of reducing energy consumption should be considered first. Increasing insulation can save up to 15% of heating costs, turning of lights and PC’s, using energy saving light bulbs and closing doors to reduce heat loss could have as great an impact. Before investing in a wind turbine look at all the ways you can save energy and the cost of providing renewable energy v’s the money you will save over a number of years. What other suggestions have you thought about at school?

Comment from Ailan’s dad
Time: May 31, 2007, 7:42 am

In my view saving energy requires us all to do as many different things as possible. From using our cars less to installing solar panels and wind turbines. Every small thing we do will contribute to reducing energy consumption even switching off TV’s etc rather than leaving them on standby makes a saving. The school needs to establish a long term plan (as we all do) to save energy starting with the basics first and eventually looking at things such as turbines and solar panels.

Comment from Sean’s Mum
Time: May 31, 2007, 8:16 am

I agree with building the wind turbine because as im sure all the pupils know we are running out of fossil fuels, such as coal. The wind turbine would provide a source of renewable energy that would never run out, this making it much more eco friendly than burning fossil fuels.
(:

Comment from Sean’s Mum
Time: May 31, 2007, 8:16 am

I agree with building the wind turbine because as im sure all the pupils know we are running out of fossil fuels, such as coal. The wind turbine would provide a source of renewable energy that would never run out, this making it much more eco friendly than burning fossil fuels.

Comment from Sam & Adam’s Mum & Dad
Time: May 31, 2007, 8:30 am

A wind turbine would be a very good idea, as it would be alot better for the environment !! This has been a great project for the kids, as they are learing we need to act on the eco issues now!!

Comment from Emma Salisbury
Time: May 31, 2007, 9:29 am

Yes,I think the wind turbine is a great idea because it is environmentally friendly.
If it saves money then its got to be a good thing, though it’ll be interesting to see how it fits into the landscape.

Comment from alec 7C
Time: May 31, 2007, 11:09 am

i think a wind turbine is a brilliant idea because it not only help us it will help people in the future

Comment from marks mum and dad
Time: May 31, 2007, 11:11 am

yes, i think we should have a wind turbine at the school. because if the town had a power cut, the school would be fine and would be able to carry on with their lessons.

Comment from Jamie m 7c
Time: May 31, 2007, 11:12 am

Yes i think it is important because many energy sources such as gas , coal etc are beginning to run out.Alternitive sources should be found.

i think it would be a great idea to have one at school .It would show the children how alternative energy sources can be used and how environmentally friendly these sources are.

Comment from Gavin.D
Time: May 31, 2007, 11:16 am

i think having a wind turbine was the the wrong thing to think of. it would take 33.3333333 years to pay of he cost that it was was worth and only saves 600 pounds a year (that would only be if the wind turbine was 20,000 pounds.
i think ill stay with my mums answer and stick with the idea of solar panels.

Comment from Dani 7C
Time: May 31, 2007, 11:20 am

I asked my mum what she thought abous North Berwick primary getting a wind turbine she replied ……………….
I think that is a geat Idea beause it is environmentally friendly and stores energy,she thinks Britian is so polluted we are by getting one .She hopes the school gets one soon !

Then I asked my dad …..He said……
North Berwick needsto save enery so we’d be doing the right thing.Energywill be stored and we will save money.It’s a grest Idea .

I also agree even though they arent very nice looking .

Thanks for reading !

Comment from Lewis Chandler
Time: May 31, 2007, 1:52 pm

I’am from Athestaneford and I really like having a wind turbine because it saves a lot of energy!I have been to see a wind turbine in 2005 for a special treat!

Comment from Anya 6a
Time: May 31, 2007, 4:05 pm

Wind turbines would be a good idea because it would have money and would be ECO friendly

Comment from Joe H
Time: May 31, 2007, 4:12 pm

I think it is te right thing to do and will save the shcool lots of money and that means more stuff for us!!!!

Comment from Lydia 7c
Time: May 31, 2007, 6:13 pm

I think getting a wind terbine is a great idea as long as it won’t get in the way of our playground.But if it means we can help save the enviroment then I think we should definatly get one!

Comment from katie
Time: May 31, 2007, 6:37 pm

I think having a windt urbine we do the school good because it is eco friendy which means we can be eco friendly a least 1 times a day!!!!
: ): D
I hope we get a wind tubine because a little different can do the world the good!: D : )

Comment from James.L.
Time: May 31, 2007, 6:41 pm

If we get a wind turbine then i think law would save a lot of money and energy. my dad told me that wind energy can’t be stored though, so it would have to be used immediately. apart from that i would totally agree with the enviromental side. i also think it would be good to get some solar panels. they would help stop climate change.

Comment from Gemma
Time: May 31, 2007, 6:49 pm

I think having a Wind Turbine will be a good idea because we will be saving electricity and a lot of money. and if there is a power cut the will be enough energy for the wind to keep the school running .
It is also good because very one will have done there little bit to the enviroment by the end of the day !!!!!!!
: ) : D

Comment from Ewan 6A
Time: May 31, 2007, 7:08 pm

I love the idea because we wo’nt be pollting the air any more.

Comment from Morag p7c
Time: May 31, 2007, 7:26 pm

I think the wind turbine is a really good idea. It might encourge other schools and people around the community to get involed with saving the planet!

Comment from Caitlin
Time: May 31, 2007, 9:04 pm

I think a wind turbine would be a great idea.It would help save the environment and make Law more eco-friendly.It would set a good example for other schools and other countries that haven’t started being eco friendly might follow our example from looking at our website.

Comment from Callum Lancaster’s
Time: May 31, 2007, 9:08 pm

I think having a windturbine in the school might influence other schools around the nation to start using wind power instead of coal and oil,and it will also save the school a great deal of money.

Comment from Josh’s Mum and Dad 6b
Time: May 31, 2007, 10:41 pm

We think it is a good idea to have a wind turbine because it will demonstarte to the children how easy it is to generate renewable power and also form the basis for discussion as to why that is important.

Comment from Gary and Mum
Time: June 1, 2007, 8:06 am

We think it will be good for the enviorment and save energy.It’s a good use natural resourses.

Comment from Andrews mum P7
Time: June 1, 2007, 8:08 am

I would love to see a wind turbine at Law Primary. Having stood in the playground for many years I know that it has to be the windiest(and coldest) place in the whole of East Lothian. It seems amazing that you could catch that wind and turn it into heat. All children should be encouraged to take care of their environment and think about alternative fuel sources.

Comment from Andrew L’s mum P7c
Time: June 1, 2007, 8:14 am

I would love to see a wind turbine at Law Primary. Having stood in the playground for many years I know that it has to be the windiest(and coldest) place in the whole of East Lothian. It seems amazing that you could catch that wind and turn it into heat. All children should be encouraged to take care of their environment and think about alternative fuel sources.

Comment from Andrew L’s Mum 6a
Time: June 1, 2007, 8:22 am

I think it would be a really positive thing for the school to do, but I suppose it will be the cost v savings that will be the decider.

Comment from findlay g
Time: June 1, 2007, 10:14 am

To gavins mum.Yes solar panels would be a good idea but when the sun is shining in the summer we will not be at school and we couldn’t store all that energy for that long and when we are at school it is usually very windy.That is why we have chosen a wind turbine.

Comment from Murray Kemp’s dad
Time: June 1, 2007, 11:01 am

I am in favour of a turbine, if only to stimulate debate and show willing. Financially I doubt they are effective and significantly more CO2 output will be reduced by getting kids to persuade their parents not to drive big 4×4s a few hnderd yards to school!

Comment from Georgina.W
Time: June 1, 2007, 9:14 pm

The price is not a problem because we can get grants for 1000000!

Comment from darren cowie
Time: June 2, 2007, 10:09 pm

hi and i think the wind turbines would be cool

Comment from lucy aitken & jessie tate
Time: June 5, 2007, 4:14 pm

We think that the idea for a wind turbine is a good idea but we care about the wildlife aswell. How do we know that the birds are not getting killed by the blades.
But still…
Jessie Tate & Lucy Aitken

Comment from Grant C
Time: June 7, 2007, 4:48 pm

My mum said it was a bad idea because it would take over space and a large cost. c ya

Comment from Anya
Time: June 7, 2007, 5:06 pm

I agree with Jessie Tate and Lucy Atkien would the wildlife get caught in the blades? And we are trying to help the animals and the planet not try to kill them! But still it would be eco friendly …

Comment from catriona P6B
Time: June 12, 2007, 4:21 pm

i think the idea for the wind turbin is good but could we not use solar panells instead plus animails could get hurt or frightend!!! OH!!!!

Comment from Max.a
Time: June 19, 2007, 8:08 pm

As a member of the eco commity i think it would be a good to have a wind terbine but……. they are fairly noisy and could cos trouble with people climbing over the fance around it, but on the other hand the same could happen with a solar panel. It’d probebly be alot easyer to install a solar panel or two (it would cost less two insall). so i’m all up for ither of them!!

Comment from Lesley A. (Max’s Mum)
Time: June 19, 2007, 8:24 pm

I’m astounded that there is so much lively debate around this issue and have enjoyed reading everybody’s comments. I’m going to add my twopence worth! I would like to see the eco committe developing a strategy (plan). This would mean researching all the ideas suggested by children and parents and deciding which were the best for the schoool. Then setting out an action plan to make them happen. If research showed that the wind turbine was a good option, I would also like to see the school developing other initiatives alongside such as energy light bulbs, remembering to switch lights off, effective recylcing projects etc. Keep up the good work!

Comment from Stevie Benfield
Time: September 24, 2007, 10:30 am

i think wind terbines are a great idea because they may not look nice but they are very good for the planet!!!

Comment from Jenny
Time: February 27, 2008, 8:47 pm

i think they r a good idea because they cause less poullution
like how often do birds go into turbines?

Comment from Jaimee
Time: March 3, 2008, 7:00 pm

i think they will be a good idea because they are eco friendly , they might kill brlds but how often do u see birds flying into blades?
they will save money
plus we r running put of fossil fuels such as coal etc
on thursday in my school we are having a debate and i think
we should have them!!

Comment from Milly
Time: December 10, 2008, 8:34 pm

I think it’s a great idea! At my last school the decided to become and ‘Eco-Shool’. So thet messed aroun pretending they were doing usefull stuff and nothing ever happened. Go Turbines!

Comment from Cathy Patterson
Time: April 28, 2009, 12:53 pm

Thank you for this post, it was really interesting to read. I have a residential wind turbine and I love to read and write about this kind of energy.