Risedale School has officially launched its first comprehensive Climate Action Plan, setting a bold course toward a sustainable future. This strategic roadmap, created in response to Department for Education requirements, commits the school to a significant 50% reduction in carbon emissions by 2030.

The initiative was met with high praise from North Yorkshire Council, with Healthy Schools & Early Years Programme Officer, Ruth Stacey, commending the school for having its roadmap in place.

A "BEST" Approach to Sustainability

The Climate Action Plan is built upon Risedale’s core values: RESPONSIBILITY, RESPECT, RESILIENCE, and RELATIONSHIPS. By embedding climate action into daily school life, the school aims to equip pupils to become responsible, respectful, and resilient citizens who can thrive in a changing world.

The Team Powering the Change:

The project is a collaborative effort led by key staff members and pupil leaders:

• Operational Leadership: Facilities Manager Mr Fox is spearheading the "decarbonisation" of the school site. His work includes energy-saving audits, moving toward LED lighting with motion sensors, and upgrading to double-glazed windows.
• Senior Support: Headteacher Mrs Greenwood and the school governors are championing these sustainability goals at every level.
• The Eco Club: Senior Science Technician Mrs Newall has launched a brand-new Eco Club, creating a space where pupils take the lead on habitat mapping, installing bird and insect boxes, and maintaining outdoor wild areas.
• Student Council Involvement: To ensure this is a whole-school effort, Mrs Newall is working alongside the Student Council. These pupil volunteers will act as leaders of change, helping to run climate projects and ensuring the voices of the "Risedale Family" are heard.

Key Green Initiatives

The Risedale Climate Action Plan focuses on four main pillars to benefit both the school and our local community:

• Decarbonisation: Installing LED lighting with motion sensors, transitioning to double-glazed windows, and establishing a carbon baseline using the Count Your Carbon tool.
• Water and Waste: Reducing single-use plastics, improving recycling methods, and installing water-saving devices.
• Biodiversity: Registering for the National Education Nature Park, undertaking habitat mapping, and installing bird and insect boxes.
• Climate Education: Embedding sustainability into the curriculum (specifically Science, Geography, and PSHEe) and hosting "Green Careers" events.
• Adaptation: Running "Switch-off" campaigns and utilising outdoor spaces for learning to reduce building energy demand.

Adaptation and Future Goals

Risedale is also preparing for the impacts of climate change by running "Switch-off" campaigns and utilising outdoor spaces for learning to reduce building energy demand. Looking ahead, the school is exploring staff car-pooling, electric school vehicles, and the installation of on-site electric car charging stations.

Facilities Manager, Mr Fox said:

“Since joining Risedale earlier this year, I have been impressed by how much our pupils care about their environment and their local community. This Climate Action Plan is our commitment to leading by example. By making these positive changes to our school and our classrooms, we aren't just reducing our carbon footprint—we are embedding our 'BEST' values into a sustainable future for everyone.”

The school has already joined the Let’s Go Zero campaign and will receive a certificate from North Yorkshire Council to recognise this major step forward. Regular updates on Risedale's progress will be shared via the school website and social media channels.

#TeamRisedale 💙💜🧡❤️ #BEST

RESPONSIBILITY  RESPECT  RESILIENCE  RELATIONSHIPS