GREEN-THINKING pupils have jumped into action to cut a Shirley school’s carbon footprint.
Monkspath Junior and Infant School were inspired to demonstrate their sustainability credentials by taking part in the Zero Carbon Schools Programme, organised by Green Schools Project.
The programme helps pupils learn about the causes of climate change, the effect it’s having on the natural world and what action can be taken to mitigate its impacts. Pupils investigated and measured the carbon footprint of the school, coming out at 563 tonnes of CO2e (carbon dioxide equivalent) and came up with several eco initiatives within their school.
This included a focus on food waste, where the students sold their vegetable plants grown from seeds and their vegetarian recipe book at the school summer fair.
Some of their plants were also featured at BBC Gardeners World Live at the NEC as part of the Pollinators Palace Wheelbarrow Garden.
Year four pupils at the Farmhouse Way school also documented the biodiversity found on the school grounds and measured the decibels of sounds they’ve found outside.
Councillor Andy Mackiewicz, Cabinet member for Climate Change and Planning, said: “Monkspath Junior and Infant School has once again shown their leadership on climate change and sustainability, having recently picked up Your Future Solihull awards and Greener Solihull School Awards.
“I’d encourage all schools in the borough to sign up for the programme in the future and build further interest and awareness about climate change amongst the next generation of Silhillians. As future custodians of the borough it’s brilliant to see how engaged our young people are about this topic.”
Henry Greenwood, founder and managing director of Green Schools Project, said the Green Schools Project wants to help the Council with its Your Future Solihull campaign and its existing climate action plan and wants to work with more schools in the local authority next academic year.
For more about the Zero Carbon Schools Programme and how to register an interest if you are a teacher visit the Green Schools Project website.
