We are excited to move to the next phase of our work to achieve net-zero carbon emissions across our schools by 2030.

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 114 schools in our Diocese - can transition to net-zero carbon within this decade.

Therefore, ‘Let’s Go Zero 2030’ has three main objectives:

1. To recognise and celebrate the work already being done in schools to foster environmental stewardship and creation care.

2. To foster further changes in environmental attitudes, behaviour, and culture within our school communities.

3. 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 This makes them major carbon emitters, often due to outdated heating systems, inadequate insulation, and high energy consumption.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.

Soon, we will provide 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.

To support this work, we are looking to expand our steering group to include representatives from schools. If you have a staff member who leads your environmental initiatives or is enthusiastic about promoting this work across the Diocese, please let us know. We would be delighted to invite them to join the Let’s Go Zero steering group.

Please also refer to the resources created by Simon Geddes last year, which offer practical quick wins for schools. These videos can be used with school councils, eco-groups, or in Collective Worship to further enhance your school’s environmental work.

You can find the full collection of short videos on our DBE YouTube Channel 

Please get in touch if you have any questions about Let’s Go Zero. We particularly look forward to hearing from you if there’s someone on your team who is passionate about this work and would like to become part of the schools’ steering group.

Please contact David Burrows, Schools’ Adviser on david.burrows@chester.anglican.org