Greener Henley Connects Schools with Climate Action Planning Experts

Building on their successful launch last year, Greener Henley’s new School Action Network is continuing to help local schools develop their Climate And Nature Action Plans this summer by introducing them to Let’s Go Zero, an organisation that gets schools working together to create plans to become zero carbon by 2030 by providing free resources.

In an online presentation hosted by Greener Henley last week, teachers from Gillotts School, Henley College, Nettlebed Community School, Queen Anne’s School, Rupert House School, Sonning Common Primary School, The Heights Primary School, Trinity Primary School and Valley Road Primary School met Action Advisor, Catherine Odell from Let’s Go Zero, who shared more about their ambitious nationwide campaign and how it works.

She also shared details about their free Climate Action Advisors Project which provides a network of independent experts to accelerate schools on their journey to become zero carbon, and supports them to meet the Dept. of Education’s expectation that all schools have a Climate Action Plan and Sustainability Lead in place by 2025.

The schools who attended the session also got the chance to share their current challenges and success stories including from The Heights Primary School in Caversham who have trialled FRIDEDAYS, a bike-bus initiative that helps children participate in active travel, have fun, and get to school safely. By swapping petrol for pedals, the scheme has been so successful that it is now totally run by parents and feedback from other road users during the pupils’ commute has been overwhelmingly positive.

Karen Edwards, Head of The Heights Primary School in Caversham, said: “It was a really interesting and helpful meeting and wonderful to hear about things that other schools are doing. I have some very clear next steps to take now as a result of it.”

Chris Hirst, Head of Sonning Common Primary School, added: “I believe schools have a moral responsibility to ‘go beyond the gates’ with their climate and nature action work and reach the local communities we serve. Greener Henley’s Schools Action Network provides a valuable opportunity to bring like-minded professionals within educational settings together, with their students, to provide a platform to discuss practical solutions to the ongoing climate crisis.”

Catherine Odell, Climate Adviser from Let’s Go Zero, commented: “It was fantastic to meet and hear from teachers and headteachers about the brilliant things that local schools are already doing in their area to drive down their carbon emissions and embrace new initiatives that put sustainability at the centre of school life. Schools are at the heart of our communities and can lead the way in the shift to a greener world. Let’s Go Zero has a network of Climate Action Advisors who are on hand to support schools in their journey to becoming zero carbon, and can offer free, bespoke and independent advice to help schools take action on climate.”

Katrina Judge, Founder of Young Climate Warriors, said: “It was exciting to attend the climate and nature action planning event. It felt like a supportive environment where challenges were openly discussed, inspiring success stories shared, and opportunities highlighted – exactly what is needed to help all local schools get on board with developing their Climate Action Plans – thank you Greener Henley.”

To find out more about Let’s Go Zero, and to join the campaign, visit the Let’s Go Zero website.