New year to start with a bang for Belfast High pupils

The team of students will be competing in the Big Bang 2016 event after they impressed judges in regional competitions.

The pupils undertook a science and engineering research and development programme in association with Coca-Cola Hellenic Bottling Company (Coca-Cola HBC) and Sentinus.

Their goal was to design a replacement lighting system for the main production corridor in Coca-Cola HBC’s bottling plant in Lisburn.

The lights which are currently in the corridor are costing the company £5,000 to run. This is having a detrimental effect on the environment.

After carrying out a considerable amount of research, the pupils came up with a plan for new lighting in the corridor. It would not only help to reduce the damaging effect on the environment, but would save the company a projected £85,000 over the next 20 years. This would include the cost of maintaining the lights.

After receiving an exceptional score at a competition organised by Sentinus, the pupils went on to compete in the ‘Big Bang’ competition in Ulster University. At this competition they won the Northern Ireland Housing Executive prize for the best ‘Energy Reduction’ project as well as qualifying for the ‘Big Bang 2016’ event. At this event the team will compete to win the Young Engineer of the Year competition in Birmingham.

Mayor for Antrim and Newtownabbey, Councillor Thomas Hogg congratulated the pupils, and wished them good luck for the ‘Big Bang’ event.

“Representing Northern Ireland at a national event where thousands of people attend every year is a great achievement for the pupils. I would like to wish the team good luck for the event and I am delighted that the council are able to support this project,” he said.