Solihull council is entering the third round of a programme encouraging schools to create sustainable communities.
The Ashden LESS CO2 programme supports local schools to transform their community into a sustainable, carbon-free place to live.
This school year will mark the third year of the council’s involvement in the programme which, it claims, has seen a great improvement in reducing Solihull’s carbon footprint.
Ashden is a national charity that champions and supports leaders in sustainable energy in the UK and developing countries.
For the past few years Ashden and Solihull council have been working together on a programme to reduce the carbon footprint of school buildings in the borough.
The programme is supported through a joint approach between the council’s property services, asset management and sustainable development teams.
The council says the programme focuses on three core areas: changing behaviours to instil energy awareness; professional audits of school buildings to see where energy can be saved; and integrating sustainability across the curriculum.
Every school that takes part in the next round of the scheme will receive a free energy survey.
They will also receive a report that outlines the best type of energy projects that the school could install for little or no cost.
Finally, the scheme offers one-to-one advice on steps to reduce energy and resources to help incorporate this sustainability.
The aim is to get schools to learn how to save energy and cut their costs and carbon emissions, the council adds.
The programme consists of four half-day workshops that will promote networking and experience sharing – two qualities the scheme seeks to emphasise.
Councillor Alison Rolf, cabinet member for environment, housing and regeneration said: “I’m very pleased that local schools have signed up for the Ashden LESS CO2 project and that we are now going into the third round.
“This is such an important programme as it is vital that children understand the importance of looking after the environment and making Solihull a sustainable place to live.
“Good luck to all the schools that are involved!”
To find out more or get involved, call 0121 704 6874 or email [email protected]. For more information on the Ashden LESS CO2 programme visit http://www.ashden.org/less-co2
