Intelligent use of energy at schools will create a new generation of engineers and scientists, Education Minister Batt O'Keeffe has said.

'The Intelligent Use Of Energy At School' project - led by the Clean Technology Centre in CIT - encourages students to consider small adjustments that have an impact on our carbon footprint.

Minister O'Keeffe was speaking at the launch of the European Energy Savings Awards, which took place at Bord Gais Headquarters, in Cork yesterday.

Addressing the ceremony the minister praised the Intelligent Use Of Energy At School.

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"I hope that the significant achievements of schools taking part in the highly successful Green Schools programme can be built upon at European level through this new project," he said.

"I’ve no doubt that the awards will stir a new consciousness of environmental issues by engaging students in energy-saving activities using a hands-on and real-world approach.

"I hope the project will lead an agenda of behavioural change in schools and in the wider community as we seek to become global players in the debate on climate change."

Mr O'Keeffe said projects like Intelligent Use Of Energy At School will help to create a new generation of engineers and scientists for the knowledge society of tomorrow.

Thanking Bord Gais for their support for the awards, the minister said: "We must continue to develop more effective and sustainable ways of meeting our energy needs in bringing about the green economy."

(PR/GK)