By Emma Brannam for Newshub Connect
A school in Whakatane is powering up to be one of the most energy efficient in the country and it's thanks to the passions of one teacher.
Instead of making bikes and BBQs in the metal technology workshop, David Dobbin (the less famous one) gets his Year 13 students at Trident High School to work on solar panels and wind turbines.
They're not just projects. These renewable energy systems actually get installed, making a major dent in the school's electricity bill.
Watch the video to see why Trident High School is well on track to save 40 percent within five years.
Trident High School students display some of their work (Supplied)
"My job is around getting the kids ready for employment or further education and there's a whole industry growing in environmental related issues around climate change," said Mr Dobbin.
"We have to adapt our education systems to prepare these kids and inspire them into these fields."
Trident High School is one of more than 2000 groups around the country to have had financial help from the Fonterra Grass Roots Fund, set up to support rural communities where it farmers operate by funding clever ideas and initiatives. Grants are given annually.
This content was created by Newshub Connect/Rubberneck for Fonterra.
