What can your school do to help?

Schools across Sunderland are getting involved in initiatives to lower their schools carbon footprint and take climate action.  

If you want some ideas on how your school can get involved, click here to view a calendar of Low Carbon dates, or consider getting involved in these educational programmes below that can offer accreditation.  

Food and Nutrition Chartermark 

The Food and Nutrition Charter Mark has been developed by a local multi-agency group of health, food and nutritional practitioners and education professionals. The Charter has been developed to support schools to introduce and promote healthier behaviours to enable pupils and individuals within the wider school community maintain healthy weight. In addition, the charter recognises the dedication of schools within the city in contributing towards the health and wellbeing of their pupils, staff and local communities. The Food and Nutrition Charter is one of the five health and wellbeing related Charter Marks that contribute to the Sunderland Healthy Schools Award. 

All schools and children's settings are eligible to apply and the Bronze that was rolled out in 2021. The charter mark incorporates the importance of environmental sustainability, including plant-based and planet-friendly diets, reducing waste and promoting seasonal eating among other initiatives. The first school was accredited in 2022 and teams are now working to develop the silver (2022/23) and gold (2023/24) levels - including with consultation and engagement from the young people's Environmental, Green and Sustainable (EGS) group). 

Click here to find out more about how your school can get involved and apply for bronze level accreditation.  

Green Kitchen Standard 

The Green Kitchen Standard was developed by the Soil Association and Carbon Trust to support caterers to take a stand on climate action by providing meals that are produced with less energy, less waste and less water. Sunderland City Council is the first local authority school meals provider in the country to achieve the Green Kitchen Standard. 

The implementation of the Green Kitchen Standard in Sunderland focused on supporting and encouraging school cooks to implement simple everyday measures that add up to a significant impact on energy and water consumption and the minimization food waste. Click here to find out how your school can get involved.  

Climate Friendly Schools 

The Climate Friendly Schools programme has been designed by OASES to complement the Department for Education's Sustainability and Climate Change strategy and the Climate Leaders Award (Sustainability and climate change (www.gov.uk)).  

Your school can access free online resources to audit your campus, culture, curriculum, community and futures and then to build a school action plan. Schools can be recognised as a Climate Friendly School by demonstrating that their school has taken at least 10 steps towards delivering your Climate Friendly Action Plan every year. If your school wants to get involved visit Climate Friendly Schools to learn more.  

Sunderland Climate Friendly Schools Network 

All Sunderland Schools are also invited to take part in the free Sunderland Climate Friendly Schools Network. The network meetings are facilitated by OASES and Sunderland City Council and provide support to Sunderland schools to improve climate literacy and take action to tackle climate change. 

At these meetings you will: 

• be informed of current climate research, thinking and progress; 
• hear about Department for Education progress in developing their Sustainability and Climate Change Strategy; 
• learn from the experiences of other schools that are seeking to become more climate friendly, including those participating in Sunderland Climate Friendly Schools and Wear Sustainable Resources development initiatives; 
• receive links to the educational materials developed through Sunderland Climate Friendly Schools and Wear Sustainable Resources; 
• be signposted towards other useful resources (e.g. ECO2SmartSchools, Energy Sparks, Children 4 Climate Consciousness, British Council Sustainable Development Goals, Behind the Seams etc.) and complementary initiatives (e.g. Let's Go Zero, ECO-Schools); 
• be the first to know about other funded initiatives and funding opportunities; 
• have the opportunity to network and share experience with other schools across the city. 

If your school is interested in getting involved in Sunderland's Climate Friendly Schools Network email info@climatefriendlyschools.org.uk and lowcarbon@sunderland.gov.uk for more information on termly meetings.  

Eco Schools 

The Eco-Schools programme is a national pupil-led programme that provides a seven-step framework that young people can follow to make a difference in their school and local community. By completing the Eco-Schools Seven Step framework, schools can apply for the Eco-Schools Green Flag accreditation. 

To date Sunderland have 11 Eco Schools. If your school is interested in finding out more about Eco Schools visit Eco Schools or click here to sign up.  

Plastic Free Schools Surfers Against Sewage 

The Plastic Free Schools programme educates and equips young people with the tools to create positive environmental changes by reducing single use plastics and promoting sustainable habits within their schools. If your school wants to tackle single use plastics, visit Plastic Free Schools Surfers Against Sewage to find out more and get involved.  

Active Travel  

Bikeability 

Bikeability is the government's national cycle training programme. It helps you learn practical skills and understand how to cycle on today's roads.  Schools interested in organising Bikeability for their school email: Road.Safety@sunderland.gov.uk for further information. 

Park that Bike 

Schools can apply for free cycle stands through an initiative run by Park That Bike and supported by Sunderland City Council. Apply on the following website:  ParkThatBike   If you need further information email gosmarter@sunderland.gov.uk