How can your school combat climate change?

With climate change increasingly in the news and a source of concern for the younger generation, schools have a duty to help students tackle this issue and do their bit for the environment.

Growing numbers of teachers are also supporting their students to help put pressure on the government to take the climate change crisis seriously and act accordingly.

This article looks at some practical ways that schools can help tackle this pressing issue.

Measures schools can put in place to combat climate change

We’ve rounded-up the following list of simple suggestions for teachers to consider implementing in their school.

1) Energy

A typical school can use a lot of energy, which is bad news for the environment and your school budget! There are, however, a number of straightforward ways to make your school more energy efficient.

• Switching to LED lighting, for example, can reduce your school’s energy bill by up to half and is one of the simplest steps you can take to reduce your carbon footprint.
• Similarly, installing boiler optimisers can reduce your school’s energy bill by an impressive 15-30% while ensuring you have a warm and comfortable environment.

At Utility Rentals, we offer flexible rental agreements that allow your school to start using these energy-saving technologies straight away, with no upfront costs.

2) Food

The food served in your school canteen can also have an impact on the environment. Animals such as cows emit methane and other greenhouse gases, so your school might want to consider introducing ‘meat-free days’, where all the food on the menu is vegetarian.

This can also encourage healthy eating amongst your little folks by steering them away from meals like sausages and burgers.

3) Materials (especially plastic!)

Recycle everything you possibly can, whether that’s paper used in the classroom, drinks containers, batteries, electronic equipment or printer cartridges. Use double-side printing and copying, and buy school supplies that are made from recycled materials.

Banning single-use plastic water bottles is another great way to reduce waste. And, with water coolers on-site there’s no reason for staff and students not to stay hydrated!

Using hand dryers rather than costly paper towels can also boost your school’s environmental credentials and save you money.

We provide a range of water coolers and hand dryers to schools through our flexible rental agreements. These come with a host of perks like free delivery, installation and a parts and labour breakdown warranty for the full rental term.

4) School grounds

Why not start a school vegetable garden in your school grounds? Or plant some trees? These are great ways of improving students’ physical health and mental well-being whilst helping the environment at the same time.

5) Collaboration

Set up a group of like-minded teachers, students and parent or community members to combat climate change by proposing ideas and introducing initiatives in your school.

Your students will be super-keen to support a cause that’s so relevant. You might also be surprised at the difference your school can make.

These simple suggestions are just a few of the many ways your school can help combat climate change. Try them out today!

If you’d like to find out more about how energy-efficient technology can help support your school to do its bit for the environment, talk to our friendly team.