Ascham School, an independent, non-denominational, day and boarding school for girls, located in Edgecliff, NSW, has put a significant focus on sustainability in recent years.
The school, which is among the highest performing in the state, today announced that it has signed an agreement that will both slash power costs and make its facilities more environmentally friendly.
The landmark deal with business energy retailer Flow Power makes Ascham the first NSW school to sign onto a Corporate Renewable Power Purchase Agreement (PPA), providing it with an expected long-term reduction in costs.
Under the agreement, Ascham School aims to be powered by at least 90% renewable energy. It will be powered by a combination of wind and solar power in real time, calculated at 30-minute intervals, allowing Ascham School to control and optimise its use of renewable power.
Ascham School’s business manager, Candice Heapes, said the deal will help Ascham School achieve its ambitious sustainability targets, contribute to a lower carbon economy and reduce overall emissions, as well as offsetting grid electricity consumption.
“Late last year we felt pressured by another provider into accepting significantly higher energy retail prices when our three-year agreement with them ended,” Heapes said.
“This, along with our growing focus on sustainability as part of our strategic plan, spurred us on to look at alternative options and sources of energy.”
Heapes added that the entire school is committed to sustainable actions and that drawing energy from wind and solar farms is “a terrific step in greening our future”.
Flow Power first introduced corporate renewable PPAs to the Australian market in 2017 and now counts Olam Orchards, ANCA Machines and Burra Foods as customers.
The latest agreement with Ascham School echoes the growing appetite for PPAs in the Australian market, and Flow Power’s continued success in meeting the demand.
Matthew van der Linden, Managing Director of Flow Power, applauded Ascham School’s leadership in taking on an agreement of this kind.
“The education sector is uniquely placed to benefit from Corporate Renewable PPAs, due to the longevity of its schools and of the PPAs themselves,” he said.
“We look forward to collaborating with Ascham School throughout the duration of this agreement to deliver an energy solution that evolves to fit the school’s needs.”