We are the UK Government’s independent adviser on sustainable development. Through advocacy, advice and
appraisal, we help put sustainable development at the heart of Government policy

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Carbon Emissions from Schools: Where they arise and how to reduce them

Date:15/07/2008
Classification:Education, Climate Change
Document type:SDC Reports & Papers
Download:Publish_Schools_Carbon_Strategy.pdf - 619 KB
Summary:imageThe Sustainable Development Commission has worked with the Department for Education to understand the carbon emissions associated with the English schools estate. This analysis looks at schools’ current contribution to greenhouse gas emissions and emissions scenarios in the future to 2050.
 
The analysis shows that carbon emissions are currently estimated at 8.5 million tonnes of carbon dioxide per year, and greenhouse gases at 9.4 million tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent per year. The analysis looks at the breakdown of emissions from energy use in buildings, travel and transport, procurement and waste.
 
The analysis presented in this report shows that emissions from the English schools system can be reduced by 80 per cent by 2050 with vital early action bringing deep cuts by 2020. We present scenarios for how these emissions reductions could be achieved, and our recommendations to the DCSF to lead by example in reducing emissions to mitigate climate change.

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