Zero Carbon Cumbria

Is your school taking action on climate?

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KQS Youth Climate Summit 2023-35

An introduction to sustainability practices and climate action plans

The Department for Education’s (DfE) climate strategy asks all education settings to have in place a sustainability lead and a climate action plan for September 2025. This is part of the a wider DfE Sustainability Strategy, and will support schools in reducing their carbon footprint in line with national requirements for 2050.

As well as meeting the DfE target, having a climate action plan will reduce your carbon footprint, decrease your energy costs, reduce your waste output and increase engagement with pupils, students, staff, parents and the wider community.

A climate action plan must cover four areas: mitigation, decarbonisation, biodiversity, and education and careers.

You can read the DfE’s guidance document here:

Sustainability leadership and climate action plans in education

We have a climate action plan template that links with Zero Carbon Cumbria’s emissions reduction action plans.

As part of a package of support for schools here in Cumbria we have developed a webinar to explain DfE requirements and provide practical ideas for your climate action plan. See what’s coming up…

View all upcoming events and training

Some interesting stats

Schools’ energy use in buildings: 

  • 66% Space heating and hot water 
  • 9% Lighting 
  • 8% Catering 
  • 7% Other 
  • 6% ICT equipment and small power 
  • 3% Fans 
  • 1% Cooling and dehumidification
 

Creating a climate action plan: a four step approach

  • The nature of sustainability and the climate action plan means that it will need the input of different stakeholders within your setting.
  • Facilities staff, governors, pupils and the wider community can all bring a diverse array of skills.
  • This could involve audits of current provision, a carbon footprint, a look at projects you are doing in other areas of school life, or a conversation with school stakeholders.
  • You might want to enlist some external support here – see the links below –  or canvas the opinions of your school community.
  • Again – use the whole team, as well as the information gathered from exploring the context.
  • Keep action plans easy to manage, with simple targets, and make use of existing programmes and work.
  • Make it clear that longer plans (such as exploring renewable energy sources, or planting woodlands) are in stages, and underway – and focus on actions that reduce emissions.  
  • This can be done as part of your school strategy review – and a good opportunity to enlist others to support the work you are undertaking.
  • Ask pupils or governors to review whether projects have met, or exceeded, expectations.
  • You could also try revisiting carbon emissions, but we wouldn’t advise doing this too frequently!
Download our climate action plan template
Join a climate action plan training webinar

Case Study:
A student’s take on creating a climate action plan for your school

Read Oscar's report

What can climate action do for your school community? 

Action on climate change will support your school values and aims in many different ways:

  • Saving energy saves money!  
  • Active travel plans not only cut your carbon footprint but will make your school community happier.
  • Develop your school garden, reduce your carbon footprint, grow your own food and build links with the community.

Work with your local community group!

Cumbria Sustainability Network groups are often keen to work with local schools.

Find your local group

Upcoming events and training

Join us for a practical, energising online session designed to help school leaders, teachers and governors create and implement a climate action plan that works for your educational setting.

✅ Understand what a good climate action plan looks like
✅ Discover ready-made tools and frameworks aligned with the DfE strategy
✅ Explore real-world ideas in areas like energy, transport, biodiversity, curriculum and green careers
✅ Connect with others across Cumbria taking the same journey
✅ Leave with the confidence to take your first (or next) step

Wednesday 8 October, 3.30pm – 5pm | Book now >>

Tuesday 25 November, 1pm – 2.30pm | Book now >>

A collaborative, in-person workshop for school staff to understand the fundamentals of climate science.

What you can expect:

  • A visual and interactive workshop that stimulates discussion, debate and group problem-solving
  • Work together to map the causes and effects of the climate crisis
  • Discuss the complexities, interrelated issues and feedback loops involved
  • Study 42 ‘cards’ drawn directly from the latest IPCC reports and take a deep dive into the whole climate system


See dates for the next Climate Fresk for School Staff session.

Gain confidence in sustainability practices across all educational settings to meet DfE targets by 2025 with this webinar.

What you can expect:

  • An introduction to sustainability practices in education environments
  • How this can be practically applied in your school
  • Climate Action Plans, how to begin creating one and how you can engage staff, students and other stakeholders
  • Tools and resources to support your planning

 

See dates for the next Sustainability Leadership in Education webinar.

 

Training options to suit you

We can also run bespoke courses for you. Choose from an in-person Climate Fresk, our award winning, accredited Climate & Carbon Literacy training, or Climate Action Plan training for your school – or a cohort of local schools – during an inset day, offering you a massive 80% off the usual price. The latter two options can be delivered in-person or online.

We can also offer limited free places for school staff on our public Climate Fresk or Climate & Carbon Literacy training courses if you’d like a representative to check them out!

Send us an email to discuss how we can work together.

Get in touch
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