Cut your school's CO₂ emissions

The threat of climate change is striking a chord with concerned children across the globe. High levels of greenhouse gases are warming our planet and carbon dioxide (CO₂) generated by humans is having a devastating impact on habitats and wildlife.

By cutting your emissions you’ll help the environment and you could save your school money too.

When you show us how you’ve reduced your school’s carbon footprint you’ll earn one point on the Green Tree Schools Award.

How can your school reduce CO₂ emissions?

There are lots of ways you can take action. Talking to your local authority is a good place to start as they may be able to offer help and support. You could also have a brainstorming session with pupils to see what ideas they come up with. Try to involve them with any changes you make as much as you can.

• Encourage pupils and staff to walk or cycle to school. Traffic is a major cause of CO₂ emissions and air pollution, so create a green travel plan and encourage your whole school to do their bit.
• Switch to a renewable energy supplier that uses wind or solar power instead of coal and gas.
• Use less energy. If possible, get pupils involved in monitoring your school’s energy usage and encourage them to come up with ideas to use less.

Simple ways to save energy in school

Here are some easy things you can start doing straight away. As well as saving energy and helping the environment, you'll also save your school money!

• Change to energy-saving light bulbs.
• Switch off lights in empty classrooms and school halls.
• Avoid leaving computers, TVs and printers on standby.
• Unplug chargers when not in use.
• Turn your school’s heating down a degree or two.

Get your whole school involved

Ask your pupils to think of ways they can raise awareness. They could deliver an assembly, design posters reminding people to switch off lights and other electronics, or write an article for your school blog.

How to claim your point

This challenge is worth one point on our award. To claim it, tell us how you’ve reduced your school’s emissions.

To submit your evidence, log onto your Green Tree Schools Award dashboard and click the 'Submit evidence' button at the top right of the screen. Complete the form to show how you've completed this challenge and we’ll award your points within 10 working days.

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