All Saints School5 May 2010
In May 2006, All Saints School began a quest to become a sustainable school.
I am surprised how easy it has been and how satisfying the whole school community has found the project so far.
Jane Burnet, Teacher
Poverty and famine in Africa
Students wanted to stop the suffering in Africa; they connected poverty and famine with climate change.
The pupils set up an action group - War on Waste - to:
Tackle climate change for Africa today, and our children tomorrow.
Carbon Footprint
War on Waste challenged the whole school to reduce its carbon footprint by 10% over three years.
Laura and Jak by the War on Waste display
The school carried out an energy audit to see where savings could be made. They have:
- Marked light switches with a red dot meaning 'do you really need me on?'
- Turned down the thermostat by three degrees.
- Sent an email to all pupils on how to save energy at home.
Informing Others
Students now run assemblies at local primary schools. These have been so successful that they received an award from the local youth council.
Something needed to be done. War on Waste is about simple things that can make a huge difference.
Jak, Head boy
What's next
All Saints modest ambition to raise awareness on climate change, seem to have moved seamlessly towards it becoming a sustainable school.
We have already cut our carbon emissions by one tonne... and the pupils are really excited about this. Although we have a way to go, the foundations are laid and there is no turning back.
Jane Burnet, Teacher.
© All Saints School
