When we were looking for a way for C Mobile to make a difference, we came across a community project that made perfect sense and inspired us:

St. Andrews Primary School Dorset, on our doorstep, had secured the rights to use the ancient disused mill race in the village. Conveniently located near a disused Wessex Water pump house with an adjacent connection to the main power network. all the ingredients were in place to set up a new energy source for the school to benefit from.

They had publicity in the local press, one of the most energetic PTAs in the country.

A 15m tall wind turbine is the latest addition to Eastchurch Primary School's raft of sustainability measures. The coastal school is situated on high ground, with plenty of sea breezes to power its new 6kW Proven. Seaside sunshine already fuels the school's existing solar themal and PV panels, which save tonnes in carbon emissions and energy bills by generating electricity and heating water. "It's just such a fantastic achievement" enthuses delighted headteacher Pauline Shipley.

It seems obvious that most traditional church layouts face East with the fortuitous consequence that one of the long sides of the nave is usually perfectly aligned facing South to maximise its ability to capture the energy of the sun.

St Silas Church is the first Grade 2 listed church in England to be fitted with integrated solar panels that are visible from the ground, asserting its place as the leading light for churches using renewable energy across the country. Father Shaun Richards the vicar of St Silas inaugurated the system in May 2010. The 14.84 kWp grid-connected system generates electricity from daylight for use in the church, with any surplus electricity being sold to the National Grid.