SCHOOLS from across Solihull joined forces to explore how they can reduce their own carbon emissions and play their part in tackling climate change.
Solihull Council brought together representatives from 10 schools alongside innovators, academics and the Council at STEAMhouse in Birmingham.
The unique ‘Low Carbon Schools Solihull’ STEAM Challenge Event looked at the role that schools play in creating climate resilient communities and the steps that can be taken to lower their own emissions.
The event supported the Department for Education’s Sustainability and Climate Change strategy, which aims to educate pupils on climate change, build climate resilience, create a better environment for future generations, and achieve the UK’s net zero emissions target.
Coun Andy Mackiewicz, cabinet portfolio holder for Climate Change and Planning, said: “Schools are at the heart of our communities and can be a catalyst for community engagement, helping to inspire and educate the next generation on the environmental challenges we face.
“To see so many schools engage with us on this critical issue and how they can help Solihull achieve its net zero emissions target by 2041 is really encouraging, as even small steps today can make a big difference to our future.
“We want schools to continue the conversation and put into action their own plans to contribute to this goal and are encouraging them to find out more about how Solihull Council can support.”
The event was hosted by Solihull Council and Birmingham City University, designed and facilitated by STEAMhouse, and funded by the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero.
Paddy Bek, head of service innovation and experimentation at STEAMhouse, said: “STEAMhouse is all about bringing together people from different organisations to tackle challenges which have the potential to transform lives, so it was fantastic to work with Solihull Council to help open conversations on how schools can contribute to the borough’s ambitious carbon emissions target.”
Visit www.solihull.gov.uk/your-future-solihull for more information.
