Six schools in the Diocese of Gloucester have been selected to be part of the Let’s Go Zero project, a national campaign uniting teachers, pupils, parents and schools to become Net Zero by 2030.
As part of the Let’s Go Zero project, a team of Climate Action Advisors work closely with the chosen schools to measure their carbon footprints. They create Climate Action Plans designed to reduce emissions, enhance biodiversity, and integrate sustainability into the curriculum.
The schools were selected by the Diocesan Board of Education.
One of the selected schools is Bream C of E Primary, an old school that was built in 1907. Headteacher Nicky Brice said: “As our school is an old building, we wanted to see what we could do to help us become Net Zero.
“Our Eco-committee has taken thermal imaging pictures across the school, looking to see where there might be issues.
“The school achieved their Eco Green Flag last year, and the children are keen to continue taking positive environmental steps.
“We have already put LED lighting throughout the school, but the children wanted to know what is next. A lot of our curriculum focuses on climate change and the negative impact this is having. We want to teach our children that they can have a positive impact for change, and they can make a difference not only to our school but in the local community and beyond. This project seemed like a really key next step for us.”
“When we asked our year 6 children why it’s important to make our school more eco friendly, they told us that they want to help the environment thrive and they want to keep animals, who may be affected by our actions, safe.”
The school recently welcomed Let’s Go Zero’s Climate Advisor, Jen Gale, who met with staff, students, and the school’s Eco Committee.
Nicky said: “Jen is now forming a plan, looking at increasing our recycling, installing solar panels, and incorporating movement sensors to enhance energy efficiency. Once we have received her report, we will form a Carbon Neutral Action Plan, involving stakeholders such as members of our Local Academy Committee, our Bishop’s Visitor and the diocesan team.”
Anne Hemsley, Foundation LAC member at the school, commented: “The school’s vision, based on verses in Isaiah, is that each child should have the opportunity to grow to be the best that they can be, ‘confident, responsible and selfless members of their community’.
“The ‘Let’s Go Zero’ project gives them an opportunity to do this, as they look at ways that they can be creative stewards of God’s world, which has been God’s intention for humankind from the beginning.”