Net Zero Carbon Schools: A journey open to everyone

All schools can move towards Net Zero carbon by taking the following steps:

• Understand your Net Zero journey: Our Decarbonisation Diamond Diagram explains the ways everyone can make a difference in their schools. Discover and determine your own next steps to Net Zero.
• Focus on energy use: This journey doesn’t need to be daunting. Do what you can, when you can. A good place to start is to think about how to reduce your energy and heat consumption. We have a wealth of resources and consultants that can help you begin exploring your energy options.
• Identify quick wins: Not everything needs to cost a fortune, or require huge funding applications. Many options, such as fabric improvements (e.g. insulation) can be surprisingly affordable…and save money.
• Ask for help and support: For Church of England schools and academies, Regional Consultants are here to help guide and support you through your Net Zero journey.

This hub presents its information around the following four sections:

• The decarb journey and where to start: Everyone can do something – it’s about finding the best place to start and understanding what can be achieved within the timescales and resources available. By the end of 2025, all education settings will be expected to have nominated a sustainability lead and developed a Climate Action Plan.
• Attitudes, behaviours, and culture: All schools can engage in this agenda through a focus on their Attitudes, Behaviours, and Culture. We want to encourage all schools and academies to promote wildlife, biodiversity, and nature, and to address their use of energy and creation of waste.
• Funding: Schools can travel a long way through their decarbonisation journey without the need for much additional funding. For example, the ABCs and inserting energy efficient features don’t require much funding. These investments may even save you money! However, funding details are provided for those items which do require additional funding.
• News, resources, and links: This is your one-stop page for all your Net Zero carbon school news, highlighting the latest policies, events, and excellent climate links. It also features case studies and key documents.