Sustainable Environment Section into schools – A combined approach
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.
Energy and Sustainability Section Environmental Education Programme
The Energy and Sustainability Section run an environmental education programme aimed at school children and college students within Doncaster. The Energy Project Officer, based within the Energy and Sustainability Section, manages and delivers an education programme designed on Sustainable Environments, highlighting current issues and future trends in the field.
It is important for young people to learn about energy efficiency to gain the knowledge and tools to protect their future environment. The programme demonstrates how to be energy efficient in a home or school environment, and in the wider world. Older students also look at renewable energy technologies and other topics relating to sustainability. All education sessions have been designed around the National Curriculum as much as possible.
Description of the scheme
The programme is split into two distinct areas:
The first is the Save’n’Warm Inspiring Students programme aimed at encouraging young people (and their parents) in Doncaster to be more energy efficient and to be aware of energy issues. The Energy Project Officer will come into your school or college and deliver a range of educational sessions. The sessions are interactive and students are asked to contribute and actively participate during a session. Sessions are approximately one hour long (depending on age group, please ring and check) and provide an interesting interactive approach to highlighting key energy efficiency, environmental and climate change issues. For Yr 6 and GCSE students workshops can be arranged whereby students put together their own presentations to educate the rest of their class on one of 6 topic areas. Please ring 0800 028 1067 or 01302 737053 for more details.
The Doncaster Council 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 Section, working alongside Doncaster Council staff, can advise on further actions to be taken. The Active Students scheme has three easily reachable targets and each successful outcome achieves a certificate. The Active Students scheme fits into the 2020 Sustainable School targets. Support and assistance is given to schools throughout the process.
Target 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
Parents, Teachers, and Governors
Although the programme is predominately aimed at school pupils and college students the Energy and Sustainability Team can deliver bespoke presentations and training to teachers, parents and family members. This training can be an add-on to an existing school booking or as a separate session. Past examples of involving parents and grandparents include inviting the project officer to coffee mornings, or to have a stand at parents evenings whereby the waiting can be broken up by a visit to the Energy and Sustainability stand (the school can invite other departments or external agencies to add variety and interest).
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.
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).
Scheme aims and objectives
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.
If your school is too busy to schedule classroom sessions please contact the Energy Project Officer and ask about school assemblies.
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)
Contact Details
To arrange a session or discuss the scheme further please contact Doncaster Council’s Energy and Sustainability Section on 01302 737053 or freephone 0800 028 1067
