Students at the centre of pupil‑led environmental initiatives in schools

The biggest challenge humanity is facing today is climate change, and ironically we are responsible for this enormous task. The time for delay has passed; we need to act with responsibility and urgency to save the environment, making it secure and sustainable for future generations. In line with this, schools actively take on the responsibility of preparing the next generation to confront it by providing practical knowledge and building confidence to act skilfully. Across the United Kingdom, sustainability is embedded into the everyday routines of schools, recognising that students can be one of the strongest conduits for change.

To strengthen this link, the Climate Action Plan (CAP) offers a structured framework for schools to cut emissions, improve energy efficiency and provide nature‑based solutions. Crucially, these plans set defined priorities for schools and students and involve them directly in the decision‑making process, embedding sustainability into both the curriculum and learning outcomes. Recently, the North East Schools Climate Action gathering brought together students and teachers from more than 100 schools across North East England to discuss and provide practical solutions to this problem.

According to the organisers, this event is part of a national initiative coordinated by Students Organising for Sustainability UK (SOS UK), supported locally through partnership with the Durham Energy Institute. The event was designed to equip students with the knowledge, skills and confidence required to create and deliver their own Climate Action Plans, where they not only suggest but take practical approaches to resolve urgent climate issues. Furthermore, government representatives underscored the importance of active student participation in this task and reminded attendees that every school in England must have its own Climate Action Plan. The reason behind this decision is clear: schools and universities contribute 36% of total emissions from public‑sector buildings. Involving students directly reflects how education can be a driving force for sustainable development and systemic change.

The Climate Action Plan (CAP) framework, designed for schools, outlines a strategy for reducing emissions through both energy‑efficiency measures and nature‑based solutions. This initiative serves as a practical implementation of climate education within UK schools. Furthermore, the “Durham opportunity” offers concrete steps for students and educators to integrate sustainability practices into their school environments. Organisers mentioned that they chose to host and support the event due to Durham’s long track record in climate science, energy efficiency and environmental sustainability research. In addition, Durham showcased its expertise in renewable energy, geothermal technologies and climate resilience, which sets it apart from others. Their representatives noted that seven of their researchers also attended COP30 in Brazil to contribute to international discussions on climate action and sustainability. These participants developed priorities and practical solutions for global climate issues and implemented them in their schools, such as mapping habitats on school grounds, energy‑saving initiatives and building student‑led eco projects.

Foy, MP commented that it is truly exciting to witness how students take charge of their duties towards the environment, their education and, most importantly, a sustainable future. She further pledged that their voices must be heard in Westminster on these pressing issues. A student from Escomb Primary School in County Durham, Eva, mentioned that she had recently explored numerous ways to make her school environmentally friendly. Stephanie Wilkinson remarked that they were inspired by these initiatives and committed to moving their school forward through CAP. Amy Padfield, Senior Project Manager at SOS UK, also emphasised that students are the strongest resource schools have to implement Climate Action Plans.

In summary, the event demonstrates how North East schools are leading climate action by enabling pupils to contribute directly to sustainability design. It also showed that a sustainability education programme at school level can empower children to be meaningfully engaged in action, ensuring that climate‑action curricula in UK schools are not merely about learning but about doing.

Editor’s Note

Students and teachers are being urged to take serious steps towards climate action, a gesture that clearly reflects the University’s deep concern. Hosting and supporting the North East Schools Climate Action event made this possible. The students had the opportunity to think through their own Climate Action Plans. This is essential, as schools and universities account for over one‑third of emissions from public‑sector buildings, which directly affect sustainability goals in the UK. Workshops brought students into the decision‑making process. This emphasises that climate education is often not classroom‑based but rather about responsibility and action on real issues. By engaging students directly, the University is sending a message to society that young people are powerful agents of change, and their voices will matter when shaping a sustainable future. The programme also showcased Durham’s leadership in climate science and energy research. The University demonstrates that academic credentials can effectively translate into action when carrying out relevant research on renewable energies, geothermal technologies and resilience. Ultimately, this connects research to school‑based activities, enabling more effective climate messaging across the entire region. The message is loud and clear: empowering children to take real action on climate change in schools is both possible and urgent. It shows how sustainability can be incorporated into standard teaching and learning, and how schools can articulate their message. 

Skoobuzz underlines that the University is building a culture of accountability and innovation through collaborations between students, teachers and researchers,an approach that should inspire communities far beyond the North East.

FAQs

1. What was the North East Schools Climate Action event?

It was a special gathering of more than 100 pupils and teachers from across North East England, hosted on campus and focused on empowering schools to take meaningful climate action.

2. Who organised the event?

The event was part of a national project coordinated by Students Organising for Sustainability UK (SOS UK) and supported locally through a collaboration with the Durham Energy Institute.

3. What is a Climate Action Plan (CAP)?

A CAP is a framework that helps schools reduce emissions, promote energy efficiency, and adopt nature‑based solutions. It sets clear priorities and involves pupils directly in decisionmaking.

4. Why are schools required to have Climate Action Plans?

The UK Government requires all schools in England to have a CAP because schools and universities account for 36 per cent of total public sector building emissions.

5. What did pupils and teachers gain from the event?

Participants left with practical steps to implement at their schools, including mapping habitats, identifying energy‑saving opportunities, and developing pupil‑led eco‑initiatives.

6. How does Durham University support climate action in schools?

Durham University, through its Energy Institute, provided expertise and leadership. It highlighted its research strengths in renewable energy, geothermal technologies, and climate resilience, linking academic knowledge to school‑based initiatives.

7. What role did political leaders play in the event?

City of Durham MP Mary Foy attended and praised pupils for taking ownership of their education and future. She pledged to represent their voices in Westminster on climate issues.

8. How did pupils respond to the event?

Students, such as Eva from Escomb Primary School, expressed excitement about creating their own CAPs and making their schools more environmentally friendly.

9. What did teachers say about the workshops?

Teachers, including Stephanie Wilkinson from Escomb Primary School, noted that the event inspired their schools to move forward with CAPs and embed sustainability into everyday teaching.

10. What message did SOS UK share?

Amy Padfield, Senior Project Manager at SOS UK, emphasised that pupils themselves are the most powerful resource schools have in setting and implementing Climate Action Plans.