What’s in a climate action plan?
The DfE are asking for education settings to have a climate action plan in place for September. Lets take a look at what that means.
Want to make sure that your school’s climate action plan is actually useful and inspirational? We have some here to make sure that it’s more than just a piece of paper…
What should be in an action plan?
The DfE are asking schools to explore four key areas in their climate action plan:
- Decarbonisation – this one is wide ranging, and talks about cutting emissions. From changing energy supply to exploring procurement there are many options here. For this part of your plan you mght want to start by looking at your carbon footprint – one such tool for schools is Eco-Schools Count your Carbon, and it’s free.
- Adaptation and Resilience – this involves action you are taking in response to the climate emergency. Think of projects that might reduce risks from flooding, support skills such as growing food or prepare your buildings for changes such as overheating.
- Land use and biodiversity – the opportunites for schools with tree planting, food growing and wildflower meadows are growing. The National Education Nature Park has been set up to support schools with this.
- Climate education and green careers – described as ‘knowledge rich and comprehensive teaching about climate change’ this can be confusing when it’s not explicitly on the curriculum – supporting careers tecahing, adn sharing career examples can also form part of this plan.
Where to start?
First, don’t panic! Don’t dive into a climate action plan and start looking at targets and tasks. Instead take stock of what your school is already doing – look at initiatives, projects and programmes which may also work for your action plan. Examples of that we may be healthy school initiatives, active transport, gardening or food plans and energy savigns ideas.
- Hold a staff meeting where you explore these themes, and ask staff to think of where their current work may cross over. Collecting these ideas will support your work later, and may help to inspire others.
- Ask the pupils – how much do they know? What are they concerned about? Holding an assembly, or getting your school council involved wilk help here.
- Community groups – there will be lots happining in the wider school community, and they may already have done work around carbon footprints or travel plans. For example you may be in an area that has above average carbon emissions, or there may be issues in the community with public transport – or even good news – that the school could get invovled with.
Build a team
You’ll see that much of what we are looking at involves different areas of the school – for example looking at energy supplies, renewables or switching supplies will need management or facilities involvement. Governors can offer different experiences or vital oversight – and you may find that community involvement can supply volunteers or support. Pupil voice should also be included – ensuring that wellbeing and anxiety is also looked at.
Make it work for you
All action plans need to useful – and so whilst there are loads of templates for you to use there’s no reason why it can’t be incorporated into your usual school strategic template. Just remember the acronynm for writing plans to keep the basics in place – a time frame, the action, who’s responsible and what success will look like. If you’re not that far on, then make the context and audit the first part of the plan. Don’t worry about doing too much at first.
Find the right support
And by the right support, I mean, be picky. There is lots out there, and not all of it will be relevant. Have in mind what you want to achieve -and if starting with the basics, then start with upskilling your knowledge, or building your confidence.
You can find climate action planning advice, and planning templates here:
- Zero Carbon Cumbria : I work with these – and our action plan template is very comprehensive – pick and choose where you start with it
- Climate Ambassadors : offer volunteer based support
- Eco-Schools : offer a carbon audit tool and action planning support
- Let’s Go Zero : a wide range of support, including staff training and action plan writing
Want futher support or have questions – feel free to contact me.