Saturday, 30 August 2008
Who we are
The Save ‘n’ Warm into Schools scheme is an environmental education programme aimed at school children and college students within Doncaster. The Energy and Sustainability Team based within Doncaster Metropolitan Borough Council administer the scheme for the Doncaster Borough. The Save ‘n’ Warm Project Officer, based within the Energy and Sustainability Team, manages and delivers the Save ‘n’ Warm into Schools programme.
It is important for young people to learn about energy efficiency to gain the knowledge and tools to protect their future environment. The Save ‘n’ Warm into Schools programme demonstrates how to be energy efficient in a home or school environment, and in the wider world.
Apart from running many schemes and offering grants for home insulation and central heating measures the Save ‘n’ Warm package offers a range of education / training sessions for schools and colleges. The Save ‘n’ Warm package will equip your students with the tools to help you reduce environmental damage, but could also save money on energy bills.
The Save’n’Warm Active Students scheme encourages students to take on more responsibility within their school for energy efficiency. As a first step energy monitors are nominated for the classroom. The Energy and Sustainability Team, working alongside Doncaster Council staff, can advise on further actions to be taken. The Active Students scheme has three reachable targets, each successful outcome achieves a certificate.
Targets ages
The programme is split according to age groups and the materials are suitable for the following age groups:
4-7 years
7-11 years
11-16 years
16-18 years
Although the programme is predominately aimed at school pupils and college students the Energy and Sustainability Team can deliver bespoke presentations and training to parents and family members. This training can be an add-on to an existing school booking or as a separate session.
It is anticipated that the key message of the education programme will feed back to parents and family members via the children and / or students who attended. Each student will be given a comprehensive pack containing information about the Energy and Sustainability Teams services that they will take home after the session.
The programme can deliver training and presentations to teachers and school staff. All training is tailor made to cover the schools particular requirements. The Save ‘n’ Warm into Schools programme can also educate on how to make the school itself more energy efficient and what schemes and resources are available. Particular elements of the session will discuss the Eco-Schools Programme.
The Save’n’Warm Active Students Scheme has identified easily reached targets for the school as a whole. The Active Students Scheme is broken down into Bronze, Silver, and Gold. Assistance and support are given along all stages of the award.
Once the Active students scheme is completed, your school will only have three actions to undertake before being able to apply for the Eco Schools Bronze Certificate. The Energy and Sustainability Team, with Doncaster Council staff, intend to offer support and advice all the way through Eco Schools Programme.
The Eco-Schools programme provides schools with advice on how to become more sustainable. Funding is available via the scheme, which schools can apply for. By following the programme, your school will become a more stimulating place in which to learn, whilst reducing the environmental impact of the whole school on the community(Source: Eco-Schools).
It is extremely important for young people to learn about energy efficiency to gain the knowledge and tools to protect their future environment. Save ‘n’ Warm into Schools teaches students how to be energy efficient in their home, school and in the wider world. The programme continues our ongoing commitment to education and aims to equip children with the knowledge they need to make a real difference in their homes, school and the wider environment.
The Big Picture of ‘Climate Change’
The energy we use to heat, light and power our homes produces 27% of the UK's carbon dioxide emissions. By improving the energy efficiency of our homes we can reduce our contribution to climate change.
Most scientists agree that climate change is largely due to human activity, mainly the increased use of fossil fuels. This affects us all. The last Ice Age was approximately 15,000 years ago - the Earth has been slowly warming ever since, due to natural climate variations. These natural changes in our climate do occur, but over a very long period of time. Since the industrial revolution the rate at which the Earth is warming has risen dramatically. (Source: Energy Saving Trust)
Some people may think that climate change is a positive thing for the UK giving us warmer temperatures. In the south increased temperatures and less rain could result in water shortages, forest fires and damage to crops and wildlife, while the north could see heavier rain and more flooding, and as the polar ice caps continue to melt, rising sea levels will threaten many coastal communities.
Increased temperatures could lead to an increase in insects, with bloodsucking ticks, scorpions and poisonous spiders becoming a feature of life in a hotter UK. There could also be an increase in pest infestations (fleas, wasps, mice and rats) and diseases. Overall, the cost to society, the environment, our health and the economy is likely to far outweigh any benefits. (Source: Energy Saving Trust)
The Energy and Sustainability Team of Doncaster Council is one of several teams that make up the Sustainable Environment Section. The whole section can offer a comprehensive approach and deliver joint educational sessions to schools and colleges within the Doncaster area.
To arrange a session or discuss the scheme further please contact Doncaster Council’s Energy and Sustainability Team on 01302 737053.
