welcome to net zero carbon schools - a journey open to everyone!

The term net zero means achieving a balance between the carbon emitted into the atmosphere, and the carbon removed from it. This balance – or net zero – will happen when the amount of carbon we add to the atmosphere is no more than the amount removed.

Carbon is released into the atmosphere through oil, gas and coal burned in our homes, schools, academies and the buildings we work in. It is also released to power transport. These gases increase global temperatures by trapping the sun’s energy and are responsible for causing climate change.

ALL schools can move towards net zero carbon by taking the following steps:

1. Understand your Net Zero Journey

Our Decarbonisation Diamond Diagram explains the ways everyone can make a difference in their schools. Discover and determine your own next steps to net zero.

Click here to watch a short explanation of the diamond

2. Focus on energy use

This journey doesn’t need to be daunting. Do what you can, when you can.  A good place to start is to think about how to reduce your energy and heat consumption. We have a wealth of resources and consultants that can help you begin exploring your energy options. 

Let’s Go Zero is a great place to start!

Energy Sparks can help with understanding your energy use

3. Identify quick wins

Not everything needs to cost a fortune, or require huge funding applications. Many options, such as fabric improvements (e.g. insulation) can be surprisingly affordable…and save money.

Discover more here, and don’t forget to get in touch if you have any questions.

4. Ask for help and support

For CofE schools and academies Regional Consultants are here to help guide and support you through your net zero journey. You can find out all about them on our Decarb Journey page.

WHO WE ARE

Net Zero Carbon Schools is your hub to connect with other schools and organisations and be inspired as you stride forward on your net zero journey.  This site is full of information, stories, guidance and support and aims to build a community of encouragement.  If you have stories and news to add then please do get in touch and we would be delighted to share.

This site is inspired by the Church of England’s commitment to Net Zero Carbon by 2030, but is not exclusively for Church of England schools and academies!

Net Zero Carbon Schools is maintained and managed by DBE ServicesPlease get in touch if you need any help, assistance or guidance on your Net Zero Carbon Journey.

Let's Begin

How everyone can get involved

ABC

Attitudes, Behaviour and Culture

Funding

Explore the funding options available to you.

News

Latest updates on events, information and more.

Our Inspiration

Climate change hits hardest on the poorest countries and poorest people of the world. Meanwhile, the widespread destruction of the natural world is a crisis for creation. Responding to the climate crisis is an essential part of our responsibility to safeguard God’s creation and achieve a just world.  Tackling climate change witnesses to our communities that we are people who care about climate justice, now and for the future.

Inspired by the Church of England’s ambitious Net Zero Carbon by 2030 campaign this site aims to equip, resource and support all schools – and particularly Church of England schools – to reduce carbon emissions from the energy used in its buildings by 2030.

In February 2020 the Church of England governing body, General Synod, declared climate change to be a fundamental injustice and a crisis for God’s Creation. The National CofE Environment Programme Church Schools routemap can be found here:  Reducing emissions from schools | The Church of England

Coming soon! Join the Discussion
Our Net Zero Carbon Schools Forum is a busy hive of information, inspiration and connection. By joining you will be connecting with hundreds of other teachers, net zero carbon professions, diocesan officers and consultants from across the country who all bring their own ideas and knowledge to help you in your journey.
Join

Share the Good News

Take a glimpse of what’s being going on across the country and our world.

We're working proudly in Partnership with amazing people Thank you for being part of the journey