National schools climate campaign Let’s Go Zero, has been named a delivery partner for the GB Energy Solar Partnership in North West England, working to decarbonise 46 schools and one college in the region.
Led by climate solutions charity Ashden, Let’s Go Zero joins the Barker consortium to support the government-backed rollout of solar panels across school buildings.
The initiative is part of a £200 million investment by Great British Energy, aiming to reduce costs and emissions at 200 schools and 200 NHS sites.
Let’s Go Zero will focus on behaviour change and bespoke climate action plans, helping schools engage students and staff in energy-saving efforts.
“Let’s Go Zero will work closely with staff and students on energy-saving behaviours like switch-off campaigns and monitoring usage,” said Alex Green, Head of Let’s Go Zero. “Changing a variety of simple habits can cut a school’s energy use by at least 10%.”
The government estimates that a typical school could save up to £25,000 annually through decarbonisation, freeing up funding for education or further upgrades.
Feversham School in Bradford, part of a previous pilot, has already cut electricity use from the grid by 63% after installing solar panels.
Whiteknights Primary in Reading now generates 16,170kWh a year and saves over £3,200, while St Mary’s Catholic Primary in Axminster reports £2,019 annual savings.
“It was so helpful to see all the options laid out by our Climate Action Advisor – then narrow down to what we could realistically achieve,” said St Mary’s Sustainability Lead Bethany Wood.
Minister for Early Education Stephen Morgan added: “We need fresh thinking, stronger collaboration and practical action that unlocks investment… and delivers real impact for learners, for staff and for the communities that we serve now.”
Let’s Go Zero currently supports over 7,000 UK schools in their goal to become zero carbon by 2030.
Let’s Go Zero joins GB Energy solar rollout to decarbonise North West schools appeared first on Energy Live News.