Calling for government action on zero carbon schools

National policies to create net zero schools:

healthier, happier, resilient places to work and learn

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.

Net zero schools: challenges and opportunities

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.

Our four policy calls – and how we’ll achieve them

Transform school funding – with a simple, fair, and comprehensive programme to decarbonise and adapt schools.

Enhance the Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme with long-term capital settlements at the June 2025 Spending Review.
Create a unified funding framework, by combining the Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme with school condition funding.

Clarify VAT rules to ensure no schools pay VAT on net zero solutions.

Unlock private investment – by giving schools clear guidance on repayable finance, and removing barriers to accessing it.

Remove borrowing restrictions for simple, low risk, high impact improvements like building management controls, LED lighting, and solar panels.

Introduce government-backed loan schemes and institutional investment products.

Give clear guidance on approved funding routes, including community energy schemes linked to the government’s Local Power Plan.

Build school capacity – with practical measures helping schools cut energy costs and take climate action.

Fully fund a sustainability lead in every school.
Support a network of climate action advisors giving schools free, impartial guidance.

Do more to share best practice case studies and decision-making tools.

Develop tomorrow’s green workforce – with stronger careers guidance in schools.

Embed sustainability in careers guidance, inspiring students with the potential of green jobs and giving them the information and support they need to reach these roles.

Use school retrofit and community energy projects to showcase green jobs to young people.

Our policy impact so far

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.