National policies to create net zero schools:
The UK’s schools are a huge source of carbon emissions, and also shape the future of our communities. This makes them central to the government’s clean power and opportunity missions. But schools need urgent help to decarbonise – and particularly to create modern, energy-efficient buildings.
Let’s Go Zero’s policy calls show how government can lower schools’ emissions and energy bills, prepare them for the growing danger of extreme weather, and create a better environment for young people and staff. Our calls also show how strategic government investment and leadership can unlock billions in private capital for the education estate.
With schools at the heart of communities, visible action will drive wider change too. Our calls will also help build the workforce for a zero carbon future.
Let’s Go Zero has a track record of influencing government policy, and works directly with government on pioneering net zero initiatives and programmes. By fully adopting our policy asks, policymakers will deliver climate, economic and social benefits in every corner of the UK.
Nearly 1/2
of all UK households have school-aged or younger children, putting schools at the heart of our communities.
Nearly 50%
of schools are already at flood risk – the number will rise if global temperatures increase by 2°C as predicted, which could also cause overheating for a third of the academic year.
More than 5,000 schools
have shown their ambition to be zero carbon by joining the Let’s Go Zero campaign – helping them take impactful steps towards this goal.
Schools are the largest public sector contributors to building emissions. Their annual energy costs are
£1.7 billion.
While new school buildings must be net zero, they make up just 2% of the estate. Current funding for building upgrades is far short of the amount needed, according to the Department for Education:
£2 billion.
Since the launch of yn rhedeg her flynyddol Go Zero, we’ve seen numerous policy recommendations adopted by government. All new school buildings delivered by lansio’r Department for Education are now net zero in operation. And by the end of 2025, all education settings should have nominated a sustainability lead and put in place a climate action plan.
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