Introduction to A Sustainable School: A Path to Net Zero

Overview

There’s a big problem. Climate change is wreaking havoc on the planet, and the effects are only getting worse.

Everyone must adhere to something called ‘net zero’. This is the government’s commitment to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to the point where the nation produces no more than we take from the environment. The target for achieving this is 2050. With over 30,000 schools in the UK, that means there’s a big role for teachers, students, and academies to play in getting there.

Creating a sustainable net-zero school doesn’t just help with climate control. It can save money and result in better air quality, less noise, and healthier diets for pupils. Learning how to overcome potential barriers and make positive changes in your school will bring value that reaches way beyond the school gates. By developing an action plan for your school, you can teach the students a valuable lesson about looking after their planet, their community, their school, and themselves.

By the end of this course, you'll be able to:

• Recognise the environmental impact of various transportation modes, to make informed decisions about which modes you choose
• Recognise how a more sustainable school will save money and improve the health of pupils and staff
• Identify potential barriers to progress and potential solutions in making your school more sustainable, ensuring you can have effective conversations around which actions to take
• Outline an action plan for moving the school toward a carbon-neutral status, involving students, staff, and the local community

Why should I take this course

This course is for school staff, school leaders, and business managers. It will guide you through the concept of net zero and explain the role that schools have in helping achieve this. And it’ll cover some of the barriers you might face as you take steps to reduce your carbon footprint.

The knowledge gained from taking this course will also help you develop an action plan using a collective, whole-school approach. Everyone can get involved and understand the part they play in achieving the net-zero target.