A LITTLE primary in a sleepy countryside village has become Britain’s first net-zero school.
St Andrew’s CofE Primary School in Chedworth village in Gloucestershire has carried out a string of upgrades to slash emissions.
The youngsters are recycling everything and have even ditched their gluesticks in favour of more environmentally friendly options.
The school has changed their high ceilings to bring them closer to the floor to stop heat escaping, and solar panels are set to be installed.
Headteacher, Mrs Nikita Smith, said she had been inspired by her own kids’ passion for the planet.
She wanted to show them everyone could make a difference to help go green.
She told HOAR it was a “moral” decision for her to act now for future generations.
Mrs Smith said: “It is vital that we teach children that what they do matters, whether this be in their actions towards our planet, or actions towards each other.
“Both the parents and kids are so passionate about it – we want to show them they can do something to help our planet no matter how small.”
The school was awarded a £120,000 grant as part of the Government’s Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme at the end of last year, and is now in the process of spending the cash.
The flagship £1billion programme dishes out cash to public sector bodies including to schools to get in specialist support on how to make their buildings more energy efficient.
Energy consultant, Matt Fulford, who is working with the school, said: “This will hopefully inspire the children to become powerful messengers about acting now for the benefit of their future.
“There is a clear demand and need for funds like the Government’s grants to reduce carbon emissions.”
Last year the Church of England voted to commit to net-zero carbon emissions by 2030 – meaning it won’t be adding any extra polluting carbon to the planet.
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