Let's Go Zero

The UK’s 32,000 schools create significant carbon emissions - and also have a pivotal role in influencing young people to grow a greener future for the UK. 

In November 2021, Ashden launched Let’s Go Zero, the national campaign uniting teachers, pupils, parents, and schools as they work together for UK schools 

to be zero carbon by 2030. The campaign is backed by a coalition of charities and organisations from the education sector, and so far, more than 2,800 schools have pledged their support – with more joining every week. 

The campaign delivers support and opportunities for schools looking to become more sustainable – whether that means lowering their energy use or boosting on-site biodiversity. This includes help from regional Climate Action Advisers, who are independent experts on-hand to offer schools tailored support. The campaign also features a zero carbon fund for organisations helping schools on their sustainability journey. Its Innovative Finance Project brings together stakeholders to develop solutions for school decarbonisation – this includes working in partnership with government to upgrade classrooms, which will be a crucial component if Let’s Go Zero is to reach its goals. 

The campaign includes competitions run in partnership with OVO Foundation and IKEA, which have funded green projects at dozens of UK schools. These include a school uniform swap-shop at Accrington’s St Christopher’s CE High School, a sensory forest school for pupils with disabilities at Oasis Academy John Williams in Bristol, and even a hands-on learning pond at Warrington’s Beamont Collegiate Academy.

In summer 2024, the Let’s Go Zero coalition holds the first Climate Action Countdown – a month of fun and engaging climate challenges for schools and communities. Celebrating achievements – and inspiring young people – are at the heart of the campaign. It creates powerful learning opportunities that equip children for the future. Taking action also empowers young people to respond to an issue they care about, inspiring true environmental progress: inside and outside the classroom.