Schools have a vital role to play. They are essential to encouraging public interest and involvement in environmental matters at a young age, and therefore instilling sustainability values in future generations.
Schools also have an opportunity to set an example to the local community by reducing their own emissions.
There are many actions schools can take in the journey to achieve net zero.
For example:
- appointing a sustainability lead within the governors, staff and students
- ensuring your building is efficient by installing energy saving measures
- embedding climate change in the curriculum
- encouraging active travel and developing a school travel plan
- reducing food and plastic waste and promoting the waste hierarchy
- developing sustainable menus
- developing outdoor natural learning areas.
Resources and support
There is support available to help schools in their journey.
Medway Council
Medway Council provide a range of services that can help support schools, such as expert knowledge, lesson plans and delivery and advice:
- Air Quality Video and Student Pack
- Kent Air Care for Air school resources
- A Better Medway School Programme
- Bikeability cycle training scheme
- waste and recycling school visits, to enquire contact eet@medway.gov.uk
- Medway Food Partnership.
Medway Schools Climate Change Network
We have set up a network for schools to come together to share their experiences of tackling climate change and support each other in taking action.
The group meets every term. If you're a school who is interested in finding out more, email us at climatechange@medway.gov.uk.
Eco-Schools
Eco-Schools is a multi-national organisation that provides a 7-step framework to introduce, manage and complete environmental actions in their organisation and local community. ‘Eco-schools' provides support and resources for all key stages, whether it be nursery, primary or secondary education, or higher education.
Visit the Eco-Schools website.
Woodland Trust
The Woodland Trust offers a range of resources to support outdoor learning, including free trees and tree care advice.
You can apply now for trees to be delivered in November 2022. You should order as soon as possible to avoid
Visit the Tree Tools for Schools website to find out more about the resources they offer, and to apply for free trees.
Southern Water
Southern Water offers support for schools to learn about the water cycle.
Recognition
Have your students, staff and school been recognised for the amazing work they have achieved.
Find out more on local and national recognition awards and green flag schemes:
- A Better Medway Awards
- KM Charity Green School Awards
- Eco Schools Green Flag Awards
- Wilder Kent Awards
- Woodland Trust Green Tree School Awards.
We want to hear from you
Tell us what you've been doing in your school to respond to climate change. Email us at climatechange@medway.gov.uk.
Read what others in Medway have been doing in our Local climate change projects page.