COVER FEATURE – Climate change


policies and projects that aim to reduce emissions and promote environmental conservation.


Small changes, big wins Let’s Go Zero is a nationwide initiative that brings teachers, pupils and parents together to offer practical solutions to schools that want to take action on climate change and achieve zero carbon emissions by 2030. More than 2,500 schools have already joined the campaign. Former PTA chair and head of Let’s Go Zero Alex Green acknowledges that the large expensive retrofit projects schools need to do are out of the reach of most PTAs. However, she says: ‘Even smaller, relatively affordable retrofit works can make a difference to the amount of energy the school uses, creating a more comfortable environment to work and learn.’ PTAs can fund, or contribute to, projects such as fitting thermostats on radiators and installing solar film or shades on windows to avoid overheating. They can also work with the school to implement energy- saving measures, such as turning lights off and reducing water usage. Building on tried-and-tested


fundraisers such as clothing recycling schemes and pre-loved uniform sales, PTAs can tackle the substantial amount of food waste schools produce by starting recycling and composting projects.


Furthermore, schemes that


DOWNLOAD WWF UK’s Schools Sustainability Guide: wwf.org.uk/get-


involved/schools/ sustainability-guide


promote biodiversity in nature are always popular with parents and pupils. Green suggests PTAs get involved with initiatives that create and maintain green spaces within the school premises, for example, forest schools and woodland areas. PTAs can also fund


workshops that encourage eco-friendly practices for


pupils (see p48). WWF UK’s Schools


Sustainability Guide, developed


with Let’s Go Zero, is an excellent resource for groups who need inspiration for practical climate- related projects. It focuses on seven key areas: biodiversity, energy, waste and recycling, paper and printing, water, food and food waste, and travel.


Spread your message The PTA can spend its funds as it sees fit, so don’t be afraid to seek clarification about the environmental impact of any purchases the school requests. For example, if you agree to buy laptops, ask about the charging mechanisms, energy efficiency and if there is a more sustainable alternative. Establish a PTA purchasing policy to guide your decisions and effectively communicate your message to the community. Look at who handles your money. Can you open an account with a more ethical bank?


Travel wisely Getting to and from school by car can be a stressful experience for everyone. Cars crowding side streets and parked illegally make it less safe for pupils trying to cross the road, and vehicle emissions expose children to harmful pollutants. Research shows that 57% of primary-age pupils live within a mile of their school, and 52% of secondary-age pupils live within two miles. Travelling actively to school by walking, scooting or cycling means pupils are more likely to achieve the daily recommended hour of physical activity and encourages them to build good habits for life. Sustrans, the UK’s walking and


cycling charity, promotes active travel to school for children and families in two ways: by working directly with schools and through national campaigns. In schools, Sustrans officers work with the local authority, staff and parents to develop policies and address barriers to active travel. Chris Bennett, head of behaviour


change at Sustrans, says it’s not about blaming the parents for driving but finding a solution that can work for everyone. ‘Children are actually really keen to travel actively to school and driving often doesn’t work for parents either, because sitting in traffic for half an hour doesn’t get you anywhere fast.’


pta.co.uk SPRING 2024 15


IMAGES: LET’S GO ZERO


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26  |  Page 27  |  Page 28  |  Page 29  |  Page 30  |  Page 31  |  Page 32  |  Page 33  |  Page 34  |  Page 35  |  Page 36  |  Page 37  |  Page 38  |  Page 39  |  Page 40  |  Page 41  |  Page 42  |  Page 43  |  Page 44  |  Page 45  |  Page 46  |  Page 47  |  Page 48  |  Page 49  |  Page 50  |  Page 51  |  Page 52