SLEUTHING pupils from Fairford have carried out an energy survey on their primary school to see where improvements need to be made.

The Fairford Primary School pupils took on the role of professional energy consultants at a formal presentation to parents and governors.

The presentation examined the school’s energy use and proposed actions for improving the energy efficiency of the school as part of their work on the ‘Energy Detectives’ project.

Run by Severn Wye Energy Agency and jointly funded by Gloucestershire County Council, the Cotswold Conservation Board and the Ernest Cook Trust, ‘Energy Detectives’ encourages schools and their local communities to make their energy use more sustainable.

Over the last few months, Severn Wye have delivered assemblies and interactive workshops to spread energy-saving messages across the school.

Pupils on the school ‘eco-team’ have surveyed their school, identifying where energy is being used wisely and where improvements can be made.

Following their presentation they will now carry out break and lunchtime surveys, awarding a prize to the most energy-efficient class each week.

They then plan to run a series of events to raise awareness among the school and the wider community.

Mark Stead, Project Manager at Severn Wye said: "It has been a real pleasure working with the pupils and staff at Fairford School. The enthusiasm they have shown has been great to see and they have learnt so much in such a short period of time."

The school aim to reduce the school’s energy consumption by at least 10%, which would save over £900 and prevent 10 tonnes of carbon dioxide entering the atmosphere every year.

Headteacher Julie Fellows said: "At Fairford we are very fortunate to have the opportunity to work on many projects each year. The thing that is particularly unique about ‘Energy Detectives’ is how the whole school community has become involved in this project. Our governors meet regularly with the children to find out what they enjoy about their school and how it could be further improved and they can’t wait to hear the presentation on 2nd May. Mark Stead’s enthusiasm for saving energy and finding ways in which we can help to keep our world safe has been infectious and the children have had a wonderful time. It is great to know that this project has longevity throughout school."