In February 2020, the Church of England Synod passed a resolution committing to the goal of net-zero carbon by 2030. This means that by 2030, there will be a significant reduction in energy consumption and carbon emissions throughout the estate. This commitment extends to approximately 3,000 Church of England schools, presenting a challenge for how these buildings - including the 78 schools in our Diocese - can transition to net-zero carbon within this decade.
Our Vision: A Sustainable Future for All
The Schools Net Zero Carbon initiative is designed to make a lasting impact. By making sustainable choices, your school will not only improve the environment but also provide students with the knowledge and responsibility to lead the way in global sustainability efforts.
Our Vision:
- Schools that are self-sustaining, using renewable energy sources.
- A learning environment that teaches the importance of environmental stewardship.
- A school community that reduces waste, conserves resources, and lowers its carbon footprint.
Working Towards Net Zero
To meet our ambitious target, here at Hereford Diocese we have established clear goals that will guide us every step of the way. These are:
- Reduce Carbon Emissions:
- Strive to become net-zero carbon emissions by 2030.
- Transition to 100% renewable energy for all school operations.
- Energy Efficiency:
- Implement energy-saving measures such as energy-efficient lighting, Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning systems (HVAC), and appliances.
- Improve building insulation and reduce heating and cooling energy use.
- Waste Reduction:
- Reduce waste sent to landfills.
- Encourage recycling, composting, and sustainable materials in classrooms and common areas.
- Sustainable Transportation:
- Promote walking, biking, and the use of electric vehicles to reduce transportation emissions.
- Encourage carpooling and provide bike racks to support eco-friendly commuting.
Key Strategies for Achieving Net Zero
To help the Church achieve its ambitious Net Zero Carbon goal, Hereford Diocese will assist schools in identifying the renewable technologies that offer the best economic value and carbon reduction potential for your specific school. We will guide you in exploring solutions such as:
- Solar Power Installation: Please contact the Diocesan Board Of Education to discuss before embarking on this solution as we are currently working nationally on a solution that is suitable for Church of England Schools.
- Energy-Efficient Infrastructure: Upgrade lighting systems to LED lights, adding energy-efficient heating and cooling units, and invest in sustainable materials during renovations.
- Sustainable Food Practices: Aim to provide locally sourced, sustainable food options in school kitchens and reduce food waste by implementing composting programs.
- Green School Initiatives: Integrate green spaces with trees and plants that help absorb carbon dioxide and improve air quality around the school.
- Educational Programs: Continue to educate students on sustainability and climate change, with interactive programs and activities that inspire environmental responsibility.
The Benefits of Going Net Zero
Achieving Net Zero Carbon at your school will lead to many benefits, including:
- Environmental Impact: Significant reduction in greenhouse gas emissions that contribute to climate change.
- Cost Savings: Energy-efficient technologies and sustainable practices often result in lower operational costs.
- Healthier Learning Environment: A cleaner, more sustainable school with better air quality and reduced pollutants.
Get Involved: Everyone Can Make a Difference
The success of the Schools Net Zero Carbon initiative depends on the active participation of students, staff, and the local community. Here are some ways you can get involved:
- Students:
- Become an environmental ambassador in your school.
- Participate in sustainability clubs, events, and challenges.
- Practice reducing waste and conserving energy at school and at home.
- Teachers & Staff:
- Incorporate sustainability and climate change education into the curriculum.
- Lead by example with energy-saving habits in classrooms and offices.
- Encourage and support student-led environmental initiatives.
- Parents & Community Members:
- Support school’s green initiatives by providing resources or volunteering.
- Help raise awareness about sustainable practices within the broader community.
- Lead efforts to reduce waste and promote sustainable transportation.
Funding Initiatives
There are some capital funding initiatives and opportunities available to schools with end-of-life boilers , and the Diocese Board of Education (DBE) is working diligently nationally and locally to secure funding.
To support your school with funding initiatives, we need your active engagement to ensure we fully understand your needs. This will help us assist your school in obtaining an initial Heat Decarbonisation Plan (HDP) or, if an HDP is already in place, allow us to work transparently with you, so that we can explore funding opportunities.
External Resources
We encourage schools to explore the following external resources, all of which are completely free to access.
‘Let’s Go Zero 2030’ has three main objectives:
- To recognise and celebrate the work already being done in schools to foster environmental stewardship and creation care.
- To foster further changes in environmental attitudes, behaviour, and culture within our school communities.
- To support schools with implementing a practical roadmap for achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2030.
Let’s Go Zero: Why it matters?
UK schools contribute significantly to local authority carbon emissions, accounting for over half of the total. This makes them major carbon emitters, often due to outdated heating systems, inadequate insulation, and high energy consumption. This situation poses a challenge for climate change and the environment.
The Church of England emphasises the importance of safeguarding creation as one of its five marks of mission. The escalating evidence of climate change has further strengthened this commitment, leading to the objective of achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2030. By uniting as schools and committing to this goal, we demonstrate to our communities our dedication to climate justice. We listen to the concerns of young people and take meaningful action to ensure that God's creation thrives both now and in the future.
Let’s Go Zero: How to achieve it
The task of decarbonising our schools can seem daunting, which is why we want to embark on this journey together. One significant challenge to achieving net zero emissions is affordability. It’s important to clarify that an immediate overhaul of energy infrastructure across all our schools is unrealistic. However, as discussions about replacing energy infrastructure in schools emerge, it is essential to consider greener alternatives as an integral part of the conversation.
Providing schools with a practical roadmap to achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2030. This will include a variety of quick wins - low or no-cost actions that nearly all schools can implement - as well as high-impact strategies that schools can achieve with some planning.
Complete the: Carbon emissions calculator to see how much Carbon your school is using
Developed by Eco-Schools, Count Your Carbon is the nation’s first free, full-scope carbon emissions calculator, built for – and in collaboration with – nurseries, schools, and colleges. It supports educational settings to calculate, understand, reduce and track your carbon emissions.
Count Your Carbon guides you through calculating your carbon footprint, reviewing your data, and creating a decarbonisation plan. To begin, you’ll need to gather data about operational areas and input this into the calculator. Then, you’ll receive a detailed footprint report and action planning resources, equipping you with the information you need to put a clear plan in place to reduce your setting’s emissions.
Count Your Carbon - Eco Schools
The Department for Education's (DfE) sustainability leadership and climate action plans initiative.
A key initiative of DfE’s sustainability and climate change strategy for education is ‘sustainability leadership and climate action plans’. The strategy states: “By 2025, all education settings will have nominated a sustainability lead and put in place a climate action plan”. This includes early years settings, schools, multi -academy trusts, colleges, and universities.
Wherever you are on your sustainability journey, this non-statutory guidance and the support now available can help you get started or take the next step
Why Sustainability Leadership and a Climate Action Plan Matter
Clear sustainability leadership and a climate action plan help your setting to:
- Build expertise and confidence in climate change
- Foster a sustainability-focused culture
- Share best practices and develop peer learning networks
- Prioritize actions using data
- Improve energy and water efficiency
- Reduce carbon emissions and operating costs
- Build resilience to climate change impacts
- Enhance biodiversity
- Equip learners with sustainability skills for future careers
Creating Climate Action Plans
A climate action plan should focus on:
- Decarbonisation: Reducing carbon emissions via energy efficiency
- Adaptation & Resilience: Mitigating risks like flooding or overheating
- Environment & Biodiversity: Engaging with initiatives like the National Education Nature Park
- Climate Education & Green Careers: Offering comprehensive climate education
Whole-Setting Approach
Involving the whole setting or trust is key to action. Engage:
- Learners: Inspire enthusiasm and practical knowledge on sustainability
- Senior Leadership: Ensure sustainability remains a priority in decisions
- Estates Management: Manage energy, water, and carbon emissions effectively
The UK government provides advice and information for school leadership teams exploring Net Zero, helping you to build your climate action plan.
Climate Ambassadors
Climate Ambassadors is an initiative funded by the Department for Education with the aim of helping all education settings make and implement a Climate Action Plan. The initiative is led by the University of Reading and EAUC and is delivered by a consortium of organisations across England.
By supporting nurseries, schools and colleges to build their climate action plans, Climate Ambassadors can help to ensure that young people have access to the learning and skills they will need for their future in the green economy while also helping education settings meet the challenges of a changing climate.
You can find more information on the Climate Ambassadors website
Please contact
Deputy Director of Education or Ian Hill Net Zero Project Manager - Schools
Further reading and resource can be found on The Church of England website - Helping schools reach net zero carbon – For more details please click the link below.
Net Zero Carbon Schools | The Church of England