Councillor pushes for solar panels to be included in major Sheffield school roof replacement
The primary school’s roof collapsed earlier this year
The council has agreed to fund assessment work as they move forwards with plans to replace a dilapidated school roof - with one member pushing for the introduction of solar panels as part of the proposals.
Councillor Ibby Ullah made the suggestion at a Finance and Performance Committee meeting on Monday (June 15) where the group agreed to move forward with an £83,000 feasibility assessment at Carterknowle Junior School.
The school’s roof collapsed in January this year, with staff and pupils trying to continue working as £720,000 temporary safety works were put in place.
Currently, the building is covered in scaffolding ahead of a permanent solution.
It has been agreed a full roof replacement would be necessary, with the Department for Education (DfE) providing funding to Sheffield City Council to cover the costs of the work.
Initial plans show that the replacement roof will use recycled building materials where possible and meet thermal performance standards to contribute to the council’s net zero goals.
However coun Ullah - who represents the Nether Edge and Sharrow ward - suggested that the addition of solar panels would be a “smart investment” to help with the climate crisis and energy costs.
Responding to this suggestion, Damian Watkinson, finance manager at the council, said: “I am conscious that it’s a Grade II-listed building and so I don’t know what impact that will have on that.
“But I can take that question back to the team who are working on the design - I know that’s going to be a long programme of work.”
Turning to Facebook after the meeting, coun Ullah said it would be a “missed opportunity” if the option wasn’t explored.
The Labour councillor added: “The plans include meeting the council's thermal performance standards and using recycled materials where possible, which I welcome.
“But we don't replace school roofs every day. That's why I asked whether solar PV panels could also be considered as part of the design. It would be a missed opportunity if we didn't at least explore the option.
“With high energy costs and the need to tackle climate change, solar panels could be a smart long-term investment that benefits both the environment and the school's finances.”