Southwark Council has recently introduced a new guide to help schools in the area develop climate action plans, in collaboration with students. This initiative aims to support teachers in going green, creating opportunities for both students and staff, and meeting new government requirements.
The guide was officially launched at Belham Primary School, where four local primary schools showcased their green projects. These projects, led by students, included initiatives such as beehives to enhance biodiversity and school refill shops for personal care products. The council presented certificates to recognize the efforts of these schools in promoting sustainability.
The Department for Education (DfE) has set a goal for all educational settings to appoint a sustainability lead and establish a climate action plan by 2025. However, many schools face challenges in developing these plans due to time constraints and lack of expertise. To address this issue, an online guide has been developed with input from council experts, educational staff, and students from St Michael’s Catholic College and Southwark’s Youth Parliament.
To provide further support, an online event will be held for educators to learn more about using the guide and creating their own climate action plans. Councillor Jasmine Ali emphasized the crucial role of schools in driving change and praised the enthusiasm of young activists in tackling climate change. The council aims to empower schools to make a significant impact on reducing emissions and inspiring future generations to address environmental challenges.
Councillor John Batteson highlighted the potential of schools to contribute to climate action through building modifications, educational initiatives, and empowerment of students. The guide is a product of the Southwark network of climate action schools, which has been active since 2022 and welcomes participation from all types of educational institutions in the area.
This new resource provides schools with a framework to prioritize sustainability, engage students in environmental projects, and align with national objectives for reducing carbon emissions. By fostering a culture of environmental responsibility within educational settings, Southwark aims to create a more sustainable future for the community as a whole. Through collaboration between students, teachers, and local government, schools can play a significant role in addressing the climate crisis and promoting positive change.
