Redbridge School is located in Campo de Ourique (for primary years) and Tapada da Ajuda (for secondary school), and both campuses are part of the Eco Schools program.
Since its opening in September, the Secondary School has been operating in a temporary building. Until the construction of the new facilities is completed, Redbridge has been relying on a fuel-powered generator to efficiently meet the kitchen’s energy needs.
The generator has a capacity of 140L, and a truck refills it every 4 days. This means about 30L of diesel are burned every single school day, resulting in approximately 81 kg of carbon dioxide per day, or 333 kg over 30 days. Although the generator will be removed in March when the new buildings are ready, the environmental impact it causes should not be overlooked. Over the seven months of operation, the generator will have emitted a total of 9,639 kg of carbon dioxide. To absorb this amount, over 386 trees would be needed.
The carbon dioxide produced by the generator has significant consequences for the surrounding forest. As a greenhouse gas, it contributes to global warming by heating the soil, which in turn impacts ecosystems, biodiversity, flora, and fauna. When dissolved in water, carbon dioxide lowers rainwater’s pH, making it acidic and hindering the reproduction of plants and aquatic organisms. While greenhouse gases have numerous effects, the two mentioned above are particularly detrimental to the nearby forest.
On this subject, we interviewed our science and physics teacher, Pauline Junquet, who organized the project “Mission Generator.” In this initiative, students calculated the generator’s carbon dioxide emissions over a set period and estimated the number of trees needed to offset them. When asked if Redbridge School would compensate for the emissions, Ms. Junquet explained that she had discussed the issue with a representative from Redbridge’s eco division. They concluded that some of the emissions would be offset by planting trees (mostly by students) on the Tapada da Ajuda campus. However, details such as the area and species of trees to be planted are still under discussion.
Even though the generator is temporary, it has already had a significant impact on the biodiversity around the school. Redbridge is actively taking steps to become more eco-friendly. The school’s Eco Schools energy score is currently at 68%, but by the end of the year, it is expected to increase to at least 70%.
While the temporary use of the generator has undoubtedly affected the surrounding environment, Redbridge’s proactive measures—including involving students in sustainability projects and compensating emissions through tree planting—highlight the school’s commitment to fostering a more eco-conscious community and minimizing its ecological footprint.
