Over 65%[1] of councils across England, Scotland and Wales have recently declared a climate emergency, recognising the importance of driving and implementing change across the UK and jointly facing the challenge of delivering sustainable carbon reductions.
Improving the energy efficiency of your school can enhance facilities for staff and pupils, reduce running costs and help to lower carbon emissions. Since 2009, maintained schools in Wales have been accessing interest-free finance towards carbon reduction projects through the Wales Funding Programme.
As we enter a new decade, the importance of climate action in the years to come sits at the forefront of the evolution of estates strategy. Although there are multiple layers to the development of an effective and personalised approach which fits within practical limitations, it is clear that public sector organisations must consider the significance of the decarbonisation of heat in the modernisation and improvement of their estates.
Janette Ackroyd and Paul Hardman are Energy Efficiency Officers for East Sussex County Council, who opened their Recycling Fund in 2007.
As of March 2019, this had funded 187 projects, worth over £3 million. These projects have generated impressive total annual savings of £770,000 and an estimated 3,919 tonnes CO2.
Salix are proud to sponsor the Green Gown Awards again this year, putting a spotlight on the innovative and inspiring sustainability work taking place in universities and colleges across the UK to create a brighter future for their students.
