‘Our rainwater harvesting system saves eight litres of drinking water with every flush’
Our school was designed to be low carbon, with passive ventilation, solar blinds to shade the building from heat, and a ground source pump that heats the buildings for next to nothing. We generate 100% of our summer electricity needs through on-site solar panels. A rainwater harvesting system saves eight litres of drinking water every time a toilet is flushed. The school also recycles 110 tonnes of raw material a month – from cardboard to vegetable oil.’ Stephen Green, environmental coordinator, King’s Academy, Ringmer, East Sussex
Cut carbon, cut costs
Schools across the UK are signing up to become zero carbon within a decade. So how can cutting your carbon footprint save you money? Alex Green, schools manager of climate solutions charity Ashden, explains
T
o prevent the devastating impact of global warming, it’s vital that we see big reductions in carbon
emissions in the next ten years. The good news is that taking action to combat climate change brings huge benefits to schools – from slashing energy and waste bills to creating cleaner air at the school gates.
22 SPRING 2021 FundEd Let’s Go Zero is a ten-year
campaign to help schools cut carbon in seven key areas: energy, food, procurement, waste, water use, travel and school grounds. From car-free school runs to plant-based canteens, many schools are already inspiring communities to act differently, and pupils are often at the forefront of driving change.
However, schools often feel they
are working alone, with stretched resources. Let’s Go Zero provides a route for schools to share best practice on going green, and unites them in calling for greater funding to work towards government targets for carbon reduction. The campaign is backed by a coalition of partners, including Ashden, the Carbon Trust, WWF, Eco-Schools, Sustrans (School Streets), Soil Association (Food for Life), Fairtrade Schools, and Global Action Plan. While government funding is needed for major changes to infrastructure, small changes can also have a significant impact.
Energy efficiency English schools spend a total of £600million a year on energy – the second largest cost after salaries. School ‘switch-off’ campaigns are a quick (and free) way to involve staff and pupils in saving money and energy. You can use assembly briefings and reminder notices to encourage everyone to turn off power-hungry devices and close doors and windows left open in
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