Ruapehu College kicks coal to the curb

For years schools across New Zealand have relied heavily on fossil fuel powered boilers to heat classrooms. But a commitment to tackle this now means cleaner, low-emissions options are becoming the norm.

The Ministry of Education’s School Boiler Replacement Programme aims to replace all public school coal boilers by 2025. This is expected to reduce carbon emissions by around 89,000 tonnes over 10 years – that’s the equivalent of taking 3,662 cars off the road.

Ruapehu College has taken part in the government programme, and in March last year, the school replaced its old coal boiler with two new wood pellet boilers that live inside shipping containers.

“We’re relieved to have a heating source that is better for the environment,” says Marama Allen, Ruapehu College Principal.

The college is well known for its position in the shadow of Mount Ruapehu, and has the unique demands of its local climate to consider. On a normal winter’s day, the temperature is usually below 5°C in the early morning and has been recorded as low as -13°C, meaning reliability of heating is paramount.

Ruapehu College’s coal boiler was replaced with a wood pellet boiler inside a shipping container – an innovative solution that has now been used to replace fossil fuel-powered boilers across a number of New Zealand’s education institutions – from primary to secondary schools.

Learning about sustainability

The physical removal of the coal boiler and replacement with a sustainable energy source, provides a valuable opportunity for students to learn about climate change and witness a step away from a reliance on fossil fuels.

A new initiative will also mean students can scan QR codes on the side of boilers to learn about why the transition to renewables has been made, and how it has improved the environmental outcomes for their college, local community, and on a larger scale the planet.

The college’s art and technology team are facilitating the creation of a flora and fauna inspired mural of students’ artwork on the containers. The mural is designed to bring life and personality to the boilers, making them an art piece for the school that communicates their sustainability narrative for future students.