On 16 July, the EIS began generating electricity from an array of solar panels installed on the roof of 46-48 Moray Place.

Because of our location in the heart of Edinburgh’s new town, the final layout of the panels had to be designed so as not to be visible from the street or from any neighbouring properties. Whilst that requirement restricted the size of what would be permitted, the final array is budgeted to generate approximately 15% of the electricity required to run HQ and should pay for itself in 12-15 years – with an operating life of around 30 years.

Looking beyond the economics, however, in the first four weeks of operation, the installation has generated electricity equivalent to burning more than half a tonne of carbon.

The project to install solar panels at EIS HQ followed on from a motion passed at the 2022 AGM, which called for the EIS to “campaign for all schools, colleges and early learning establishments to have appropriate renewable energy systems installed in order to harness sustainable energy for school buildings”.

Whilst new school buildings in Scotland are now being constructed with environmental efficiency in mind, it is disappointing how little progress is being made with regard to installing solar panels on the vast expanse of roof space across Scotland’s existing school estate.

By making our own investment in this technology, the EIS is setting a positive example to the Scottish Government and Local Authorities.