Later this year, the UK will host COP26, the UN Climate Change Conference, in Glasgow. And in autumn, Solihull will host its annual Sustainable Schools Conference to share ideas about the environment and celebrate Greener Schools Awards to schools involved in a range of environmental activities.
Cllr Andy Mackiewicz, Cabinet Member for Climate Change, Planning & Housing visited St Patrick's CE Primary Academy who have submitted their evidence of Greener Working for the Greener Schools Awards.
He said: “Tackling Climate Change remains a priority and we now face the challenge of rebuilding our economies in greener and more sustainable ways.
“Locally our ambition is to be net zero carbon in the borough by 2041. The work our children have been doing for many years now, and are continuing to do, plays an inspirational part in meeting this ambition.
“Children as young as Juliet and Rufus are already working hard towards our Greener Schools Awards, meeting internationally agreed goals, and teaching us how to make a better world.”
The Sustainable Schools Conference – which includes the Greener Schools Awards - will take place in the autumn. The Awards help to develop a sense of pride in sustainability activities and encourage further activities by highlighting positive stories and role models. The awards have three levels ranging from Level 1 which is given when a team of pupils help to raise awareness and improve their school environment, to Level 3 which is given when the whole school introduces the internationally agreed Global Goals and finds links to the curriculum.
For more information visit – https://www.solgrid.org.uk/education/support-services/education-for-sustainable-development/
As part of a wider strategic approach to decarbonising the borough, Solihull Council is planning to launch further consultation on its emerging Net Zero Action Plan later this summer.
The purpose of developing the Net Zero Action Plan (NZAP) is to create a prioritised plan that identifies actions to support the borough’s decarbonisation and aim to be net zero by 2041.
The NZAP will help Solihull rise to the challenge of decarbonisation, whilst helping maximise the co-benefits from reducing CO2 emissions. These benefits are wide-ranging and include better air quality, improved natural environment, more comfortable homes, cost savings and new green jobs. For more information visit: https://netzerosolihull.co.uk/