Although sustainability had always been on their agenda, Whiteknights Primary School are fast becoming leaders in climate action since joining the Net Zero Accelerator Pathfinder (NZAP) programme, now known as GB Energy Solar Partnership (GBESP), in November 2024. NZAP is a Department for Education funded initiative to accelerate the decarbonisation of the school and college estate.
7.2
tonnes of carbon saved so far
£14,365
saved so far
With the help of Let’s Go Zero Climate Action Advisor, Jasmine Newhouse, the school’s first significant step was conducting a carbon footprint calculation. This initial exercise became the foundation for their Climate Action Plan, providing the data-driven insights needed to decide where to focus their efforts.
One of the school’s most successful early initiatives was implementing comprehensive waste segregation, from organising food waste collection, to installing enhanced recycling systems. Already, they’ve seen a significant reduction in their mixed waste bins and an increase in use of their recycling ones, with staff and students adapting to the changes with ease.
“It’s been quite exciting for everybody to see how much we’ve improved on that simple stuff. But the children are so good at it, the staff are thrilled to have it. It’s made a real difference around the school.” Ms. Hobart, Operations Manager
As part of the NZAP programme, the school has undergone some major infrastructural changes, including solar panel and EV installation, and are already seeing significant savings – both financial and carbon. The new solar PV is anticipated to save 3 tonnes of carbon annually, with cost savings of approximately £3,251. It is estimated to generate 16,170 kWh annually, which is equivalent to approximately 13% of consumption.
Alongside this, behaviour change initiatives and control optimisation, which does not cost anything for the school to do, has saved the school at least £14,365 so far.
Support from Let’s Go Zero, who lead on the behaviour change strand of NZAP, has been crucial in embedding a new culture of sustainability within the school. News of their sustainability achievements are shared with parents via a dedicated page and newsletter on the school website, sparking excitement and further action. Following the installation of the solar panels and EV chargers, the school’s Parent Teacher Association, the WPCA, has gone on to source a clothing bank, so all the school’s textile waste can now be properly recycled.
Whiteknights have also been participating in the University of Reading Nature Park programme, which facilitates visits to the University campus to explore natural habitats and facilities such as the onsite Zoology Museum and Atmospheric Observatory. Activities delivered by University staff and students have covered rocks, fossils and evolution, plant diversity and local wildlife and are designed connect the students with nature, while learning more about climate and sustainability and how they can take action back on their own school site to increase biodiversity.
Climate ambassador, Natalie Harvey, a Research Scientist at the University has been supporting Whiteknights to strengthen their climate curriculum. After visiting the school, she has delivered talks on weather forecasting and climate change, and introduced pupils to related careers in science and meteorology. Through these activities Natalie aims to inspire the next generation of climate-aware citizens.
Taking part in the NZAP programme has allowed Whiteknights to make significant strides towards decarbonisation, but their efforts have gone further than just environmental impact. Whiteknights have created a culture of environmental responsibility that benefits the entire school community. As they continue to build on these foundations, they serve as an inspiring example of what’s possible when schools embrace sustainability as a core value.
Operationally, Whiteknights’ innovative thinking has inspired action across the trust. To lessen both the costs and environmental impacts of printing end of year report cards, Whiteknights have introduced electronic report cards that are sent out directly to parents and carers. It’s been such a successful initiative that the school’s operation manager was asked to present the idea to the trust’s head of operations, with six of their other schools now following suit.
“I can’t praise any of them enough. Everybody’s been so lovely, so accommodating, so calm and so ready to explain and support. And they understand that it’s not my area of expertise, it wasn’t any of our areas of expertise, and nobody makes you feel stupid. And it just felt like a very, very supportive process from start to finish with an obvious need. So, yeah, it’s been great. I’ve really, really enjoyed it.”
Ms. Hobart, Operations Manager
Climate Action Advisors are experts, who offer free support for schools, colleges, and nurseries across England. We support schools to understand their carbon impact, make effective plans, and find funding and resources. We work with schools of any size, even those that are just starting their sustainability journey. We also spotlight local opportunities for how schools can work together.
Get in touch to find out how our Climate Action Advisors can start helping your school reach it’s climate goals today.
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