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Around 2,760 schools and 100,000 pupils across Northern Ireland have benefited from the programme and commenting on the scheme Paul Sheridan, Principal at the school, said: “Teaching children about saving energy is part of ‘The World Around Us’ curriculum and shows a greater awareness for the environment but ultimately will let them keep their pounds in their pockets. Hopefully, they will pass on the information to their parents at home.”

The ‘Energy Efficiency Education Programme’ is aimed at pupils in P5, P6 and P7 and supports ‘The World Around Us’ section of the curriculum. It also assists schools in fulfilling the energy objective within the Eco Schools programme, giving them tips and ideas on how they can implement energy efficiencies within the school.

Bryson education advisor, Elaine Brownlee, said that during an interactive presentation a number of topics linked to energy creation and energy usage are covered.

“We explain to the children the impact of using fossil fuels to make energy and how global warming and climate change have affected the environment. Through a practical demonstration involving a hot water tank jacket students learn about energy efficiency.”

“Renewable energy is also discussed with different types and usage explored. Efficient travel is another section where the pupils are encouraged to question their own family travel habits and the impact of CO2 emissions. Good travel choices are promoted for example: Why take the car for shorter journeys?”

Many of the requests for ‘Warm Homes’ assessments have come directly via the educational programme conducted in local schools across Northern Ireland.

The ‘Warm Homes Plus’ scheme provides heating as well as insulation measures ranging from cavity wall to loft insulation, through to solid wall insulation and heating systems, to eligible householders who are identified through the assessment process.

Bryson Energy Director, Nigel Brady said: “In 1999, we established an educational outreach programme, funded by the Northern Ireland Housing Executive, to assist in our objective of changing future generations’ attitudes towards energy use and conservation. Ongoing efforts at reducing carbon emissions can only be sustained if our children have a clear understanding of how energy is generated and the benefits of responsible energy usage.

“Partnerships with schools are key to achieving ‘whole house’ solutions to fuel poverty. Through our educational outreach we have also been able to increase awareness amongst parents of energy efficiency and initiatives that exist such as the ‘Warm Homes Scheme’ to enhance insulation in their home.”

The ‘Warm Homes Plus’ scheme provides heating as well as insulation measures ranging from cavity wall to loft insulation, through to solid wall insulation and heating systems, to eligible householders who are identified through the assessment process.

To qualify householders must have solid fuel, Economy 7, bottled gas system (LPG) or no system at all and be in receipt of one or more of the following benefits: Housing Benefit; Working Tax Credit; Housing Benefit for Rates; Income Support; Pension Credit; Income Based Job Seekers Allowance or Income Related Employment Support Allowance.

The ‘Warm Homes Scheme’ is the Government’s main tool for tackling fuel poverty in Northern Ireland. The Scheme has assisted almost 50,000 homes since 2009. Northern Ireland has the highest level of fuel poverty in the UK and one of the highest in the European Union, with current estimates indicating that 42 per cent of households are affected.

For further information, log onto www.warm-homes.com.