Coventry pupil helps E.ON Next drive the transition to net zero – quite literally

A sustainably-minded designer in the making from Aldermoor Farm Primary School has had their design brought to life and will soon be seen on E.ON Next’s electric vans across the streets of Coventry and the surrounding area.

Fredrica, now aged 11, had her design chosen as part of a series of workshops previously run by E.ON across Coventry, aimed at educating and inspiring pupils about sustainability, renewable energy and the initiatives happening in their city to promote new types of energy, cleaner air and green jobs and skills.

The eye-catching design, which features a bold message to ‘save energy’ will adorn two E.ON Next vans tasked with transporting E.ON Next engineers as they work to deliver net zero by installing a variety of sustainable energy solutions.

Fredrica said: "I was really excited to hear that my design had been chosen. I thought of a quick and easy way to get the message across. Lots of adverts have too many words so I wanted to choose something that would have an immediate impact. Saving energy should be everyone' s life goal. We can all contribute by doing simple things like turning off the lights and not wasting electricity."

The vans were proudly presented to Fredrica and her fellow classmates by Phil Gilbert, Director of Net Zero Delivery at E.ON Next and Councillor Jim O’Boyle Cabinet Member for Jobs, Regeneration and Climate Change at Coventry City Council at an unveiling ceremony at Aldermoor Farm Primary School.

Phil Gilbert, Director of Net Zero Delivery at E.ON Next, said: “The only way we’ll deliver our new energy world is if everyone feels energised and enthusiastic about a more sustainable future. And this initiative, as part of our Strategic Energy Partnership with Coventry Council, does exactly that. We’re so proud of the fantastic effort the pupils at Aldermoor Farm have put into this initiative, and we couldn’t be more pleased with the winning design. These electric vans will now join our fleet and support our engineers installing smart meters and other sustainable energy solutions like solar panels, heat pumps and EV chargers across the region.”

Lucy Wright, Headteacher at Aldermoor Farm Primary School, said: “When I was told that a child at this school won the competition, I felt immense pride. Fredrica has truly embodied our value of 'aspirational' and I'm certain her example can inspire all children to have the highest of expectations for themselves. The vans look incredible with Fredrica’s design and seeing her name on the vans was the best of all. To have a student's name on something so publicly positive is an almost indescribable feeling. Well done, Fredrica!”

Councillor Jim O’Boyle, Cabinet Member for Jobs, Regeneration and Climate Change, added: “It’s brilliant that Fredrica’s amazing design will be seen all over the city. It’s bold and clear and that’s exactly the right approach for such an important issue – the drive to net zero. Young people understand this as well as anyone and this competition really caught the imagination of local school pupils making it hard to select a winner. Our Strategic Energy Partnership is all about transforming the city’s approach to carbon reduction and through initiatives like this, the next generation of homeowners, drivers and energy users are learning about it early which is great.”

About E.ON in Coventry

• E.ON has called Coventry its home for 30 years and is proud to have formed a ground-breaking 15-year Strategic Energy Partnership (SEP) with Coventry City Council in 2023, which sees the organisations working together to transform the city's approach to carbon reduction. The SEP has so far secured Government funding for energy efficiency improvements to homes across the city, with further projects in the pipeline including solar energy for public buildings and schools, along with electrification of local transport. To find out more about E.ON's work in Coventry, visit eonenergy.com/sustainable-cities/coventry
• In March, E.ON entered into a sustainability partnership with Coventry Building Society Arena, to help drive the Arena’s continued decarbonisation.

How E.ON is supporting education

• The workshop where Fredrica had her design chosen was part of a series of sustainability classes run by E.ON with 450 school pupils from across Coventry. The ‘Let’s Go Green in Coventry’ workshops included Year 5 and 6 pupils taking part in one of 16 sessions in six primary schools across the city.
• The activity is part of E.ON’s broader commitment to education. E.ON’s 'New Energy Academy' programme aims to empower students with the skills and inspiration needed to lead the charge towards a more sustainable future, visit: eonenergy.com/new-energy-academy