§ Dr. Twinnasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what contribution his Department is making to Energy Efficiency Year; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. DunnThe architects and building branch of the Department is involved in a number of projects which aim to promote energy efficiency in schools and colleges. Three more versions of the computer programme for calculating energy values under the energy requirements for new school buildings were issued in May. The calculation procedure is also demonstrated in the design guide which accompanies BS8207, the new energy head code of the British Standards Institution.
A DES broadsheet describing cost-effective examples of the use of heat pumps in rural schools is due to be published in a few weeks' time. A publication on energy conservation options in upgrading schools with coal-burning boilers is due later this year. A mobile recirculatory fume extraction cabinet which was developed by the Department's laboratories investigation unit is now marketed commercially; it recirculates filtered air back into the laboratory and thus saves energy.
Other current projects which have a bearing on energy efficiency include the monitoring of energy consumption in schools in a sample of 24 local education authorities; a study of ventilation in schools; and the preparation of guidance on the maintenance of heating plant. A research project is also planned on the application of passive solar energy designs to school buildings. As far as the Department itself is concerned, an official has been given energy management responsibility for the buildings occupied by the DES.