Climate Change Challenge for Schools - Green Day
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Workstream:
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Climate Change
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Title:
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Climate Change Challenge for Schools - Green Day
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Scope:
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Sub Regional WY
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Funds awarded:
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£50,000
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Lead contact:
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David Kidston
Tel: 01924 304353
Email: david.kidston@awya.gov.uk
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Background:
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Background • CABE, the government’s independent advisor on architecture, urban design and public space, have developed ‘Green Day’ – a climate change activity Kit /support programme for schools (see attachment). • ‘Green Day’ is a one-day event for schools on climate change, sustainability and the built environment which has been programmed for World Environment day on 5th June each year. Although it is delivered over one day it can involve considerable planning and preparation in advance. The kit provides support (training, cost of supply teacher cover and a resource pack) to enable the schools to devote an entire day of activities to raise awareness and learn about climate change. • CABE has worked with cities across the country to market this event, and Leeds has run the activity for the last two years with a good uptake (over 20 schools in 2008 and 46 schools in 2009). |
Proposal
• The West Yorkshire proposal is to build upon and extend the CABE ‘Green Day’ concept providing an opportunity for an increased number of schools in West Yorkshire to take part with support from their Local Authority.
• To ensure that the project continues to deliver beyond the ‘Green Day’ each Local Authority will launch a ‘Climate Change Challenge’ for the school on ‘Green Day’. This will challenge them to suggest and commit to a carbon reduction project. The winning school in each Local Authority region will receive a grant (£1000) towards delivering the project which they will be encouraged to match fund if possible.
• The five winning schools across West Yorkshire will be required to showcase their winning projects and achievements across the district and West Yorkshire with support from their Local Authority.
• The scheme could be piloted in West Yorkshire with potential roll out across the region bringing benefit to a large number of schools across Yorkshire and Humber. The funding is requested to extend and build on the existing CABE successful project which is currently core funded by CABE with sponsorship from Marks and Spencers.
• Increased number of schools involved in the ‘Green Day’ event.
• Sharing of carbon reduction best practice in schools and Local Authorities across the sub-region.
• An annual event which will evolve over time, and which can be replicated in other sub-regions.
Schools have recently been identified as a priority area for most LAs in terms of carbon, and this project will assist in creating new links with schools through a “soft” approach. By raising awareness of climate change, schools will become conscious of their carbon impact and more committed to reducing their emissions.
• Self-improving authorities that lead and support others, and are open to challenge;
The project would build upon, and improve working relationships using the subject of climate change. The success of the project would create a model to be shared with others, and would enable participating LAs to support and be challenged by peer authorities.
• Active self-directing and value adding networks that drive innovation and share learning;
On completion of the project it is hoped there will be established networks of both LA Officers and schools where carbon reduction is the key focus and new ideas are discussed. For schools, a “follow the leader” mentality would drive innovation.
• An improvement and efficiency ‘hub’ offering access to coherent and co-ordinated high quality support to all authorities and their partners.
Currently there is regional support for schools on climate change which is provided by the Yorkshire and Humber Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) Forum, and other agencies such as Groundwork (Leeds) and the Alternative Technology Centre (Hebden Bridge).