Saving Creation: Strategic action to combat climate change
The Diocese of Leeds has committed to strive to be carbon net zero by 2030 in line with the Church of England. Join us on the journey to become carbon net zero by 2030. Start by taking a look at the Saving Creation Toolkit for Schools below which has been specifically designed for schools and academies.
Initially, the Diocese of Leeds and the national Church of England have committed to being carbon neutral for Scope 1 and 2 emissions - that means carbon dioxide from any fossil fuels burnt directly (that’s gas and oil heating and petrol/diesel for vehicles) and any emissions from burning fossil fuels to generate electricity.
In schools, this looks like switching to a renewable energy tariff, reducing energy usage and generating your own green energy where possible (e.g solar panels).
These initiatives are the ones that will make the greatest impact which is why they have been prioritised for this initial net zero target. But there are many other actions that can be taken by schools which will have a dramatic effect on their carbon footprint.
Saving Creation Toolkit for Schools
The Saving Creation Toolkit for Schools is made up of Action Sheets, each looking at a ‘big ticket’ area of a school’s environmental impact. Each lists and explains practical ideas for actions that can be taken to make a real difference. In addition to these action sheets, there is the document ‘Sustainable Buildings – a guide to decarbonising your school', which is packed full of support to help you achieve this aim. There are also collective worship materials, to help schools communicate why Christians should care passionately about addressing climate change and caring for the planet. Finally there is an explainer document about sustainability leadership and climate action plans.
Toolkit Resources
- Introduction
- Collective Worship materials
- A School Review Tool – to help you establish your starting point and evaluate your progress
- Sustainable Buildings – a guide to decarbonising your school
- Action Sheet 1 – Getting Started (v3)
- Action Sheet 2 – Action on Energy (v2)
- Action Sheet 3 – Action on Food
- Action Sheet 4 – Action on Travel
- Action Sheet 5 – Action on Consumption
- Action Sheet 6 – Action on Grounds
- Action Sheet 7 – Action on Learning
- Sustainability Leadership & Climate Action Plans – explained
What can schools do?
Sustainability Leadership and Climate Action Plans
By 2025 all schools should have in place a nominated sustainability lead and put in place a climate action plan. Click HERE for more information.
Make a Declaration
Take ownership of the zero carbon target by issuing a declaration from the governing body or academy board. Collaborate with initiatives like the 'Let's Go Zero' campaign which aims to help all schools achieve zero carbon by 2030.
Quick Wins
Access the Church of England's Practical Path to Net Zero guide, designed to aid all schools with identifying potential actions and quick wins.
Audit your Carbon Footprint
Use auditing tools such as Count your Carbon to establish your carbon footprint and gather recommendations for your governing board.
Other ways schools can make a difference
We understand that not all schools have the appropriate site or budget to implement large-scale changes. However, there are still plenty of low-cost or even free actions that can significantly impact attitudes towards climate change, reduce carbon footprints and lower energy bills.
Great resources for Schools
Sustainability Support for Education
Practical Path towards Net Zero
National Education Nature Park
Climate Action & SIAMS
Climate action is one way your school can show 'an active culture of justice and responsibility', as required by SIAMS Framework Question 5. Through a range of approaches, the climate impact of our lives and the school's functioning could be viewed through the lens of justice and responsibility. This could motivate pupils and adults alike to take climate action. By exploring how our lives and the school's operations impact the climate through this lens, pupils and staff can be inspired to take action. To support this, your diocesan advisor can run a half-day workshop with pupils and a member of staff. It introduces the issues, motivates action, and offers practical steps. For more information or to book, contact your diocesan adviser.
Case Studies
Abbey MAT goes on a journey towards net zero
If you'd like help or advice with creating anything on this page, contact info@leeds.anglican.org.