Sunderland schools unite for annual climate conference

SCHOOL children from across Sunderland descended on City Hall this week [Wednesday 11th June] for the second annual Sunderland Schools Climate Conference.

Led by Sunderland City Council in partnership with Outdoor and Sustainability Education Specialists (OASES), the fun and interactive event saw children take part in hands-on climate-themed activities, share ideas and hear from and engage with industry experts.

The event coincided with Sunderland being named a climate 'A-Lister' by CDP, the global non-profit which runs the world's environmental disclosure system for companies, cities and regions.

Designed to encourage and support cities to ramp up their climate action and ambition, over 900 cities received a rating for their climate action from CDP in the latest ranking, with just over one in 10 cities (13%) receiving an A.

The conference was also used to officially launch the Sunderland Low Carbon School Charter Mark, the newest addition to Together for Children's Healthy Schools Awards, recognising schools embedding sustainable behaviour in everyday life and taking significant steps to reduce their carbon footprint impact.

Kimberley Richardson, Interim Director of Education at Together for Children, said: "We are thrilled to be able to share more about this exciting initiative at the Schools Climate Conference.

"The Charter Mark will be a brilliant tool for implementing sustainable practices into school life, from curriculum changes to community outreach, and we're delighted to see so many schools already agreeing to get involved by giving their young people the tools they need to build a greener future."

With all schools in England now advised to have a Sustainability Lead and a Climate Action Plan, the Charter Mark, developed earlier this year, features 'Sunny Bee', a climate-conscious mascot inspired by children's artwork submitted at last year's conference.

Cllr Lindsey Leonard, Sunderland City Council's portfolio holder for Environment, Transport and Net Zero, said: "We're really proud and thrilled to see the commitment our schools are showing when it comes to climate action, and this conference is a great way to get young people excited about our journey towards a greener future."

Guest speakers at the conference included representatives from Sunderland City Council who shared insights into the city's wider low carbon journey and the development of Riverside Sunderland, and from the University of Sunderland who discussed how emerging technologies are helping create a greener future.

Since launching in 2022, the Sunderland Climate Friendly Schools programme - which the conference is part of - has provided tailored support to over 20 schools with OASES and Sunderland's Low Carbon Lead Teachers, delivering projects from growing vegetables and tree planting to water harvesting and renewable energy exploration.

This year, a new cohort of Sunderland schools joined the programme, including Southmoor Academy, Benedict Bishop CE Academy, Diamond Hall Infant Academy, St Benet's RC Primary School and North View Academy.

All Sunderland schools were invited to apply for the pilot programme, with Kepier, St Anthony's Girls Catholic Academy, Portland Academy, Albany Village Primary School, Barmston Village Primary School, Barnes Junior School, Hetton Lyons Primary School, Hudson Road Primary School, Seaburn Dene Primary School and Wessington Primary School selected to take part from 2023.

For more information on the Low Carbon School Charter Mark, visit: Sunderland Low Carbon Charter Mark