A Sutton primary school has signed up to a project aimed at making Hackbridge the UK’s first sustainable suburb.

Culvers House Primary School is now part of the Hackbridge Low Carbon Zone project, which aims to cut carbon emissions in the area by 20.12 percent by 2012.

To hit the target, Sutton Council will install energy saving equipment in Culvers House, including a new lighting system and insulation for heating valves, which will help cut the school’s emissions by at least 17 percent and save 16 tonnes of CO2 per year.

Staff and pupils have signed a special pledge to encourage energy saving habits such as making sure electrical equipment is turned off, and to help cut emissions further.

The school is one of several community buildings in the area to be included in the programme.

Others include, Hackbridge Primary School, Spencer Nursery, All Saints Community Centre, Percy Road Gospel Hall and All Saints Church.

Cllr Colin Hall, Executive Member for Environment and Climate Change on Sutton Council, said: “The Hackbridge project is at the forefront of sustainable development in the UK, and smaller projects like the Low Carbon Zone have a big part to play in making the area as green as possible.

“Culvers House has shown that it is possible to make a big reduction in carbon emissions and save money at the same time.

"Involving pupils in green measures is a great idea too, as it can help to get them thinking about the environment and get into energy saving habits early on.”