Eggleton (our Energy Wise House) learn a thing or two about how St Andrew’s School can be more energy efficient.

Year 7 Eggleton students visited the Swanbury Penglase office building in the city. It was an exciting and educational experience about saving energy in a building. We learnt that air is the best insulation, that the direction of the building plays a crucial part in the planning because if it is not placed correctly, the building will either be very hot or very cold.  

Our tour guide, Witold Generowicz, told us interesting information about the building. The building was the first to be awarded the 5 star energy rating in South Australia. Below the chimney is an energy efficient air conditioner acting as a heater in winter and cooler in summer. It brings air from the outside in and heats or cools it for the office. It is sent from an air conditioner in the basement up a tube and out some vents on the floor of the office. They are also hoping to get solar panels in the future.

The architect’s old offices used almost double the amount of power compared to the new office. The architects in the office designed the new office. Witold also showed us the upper level, the ground level and the basement where all the architects actually work. They store all the papers in the basement.

All the Year 7 Eggleton students are going to try their hardest with their family House groups to make our school just like the office. We want the School to be as energy efficient as possible.