We will be participating in the Sustrans Big Walk and Wheel Week. More details to follow – and some below – but the essence of this is a week in which we all try to use the car a little bit less on the school run/commute.
This is something we really want to work on improving. Our recent carbon audit shows that 37% of our total carbon footprint is attributable to to pupil (25%) and staff (12%) commutes. That’s 180 tonnes of CO equivalent per year or approximately 200 transatlantic flights. It has to be admitted, that we have one of the worst outcomes for transport, compared to similar schools; almost 4 times that of some other schools in our Trust – a bit of a blot on the copybook of the school holds enhanced Eco-Schools status and that is supposed to be the Trust leader on sustainability, but it gives us something to work on!
We’re aware that the air quality around school is probably not that good as a result – with all the implications that brings for children’s health – and are looking at ways to mitigate this, but the most helpful thing would simply be fewer cars driving around outside school.
We’d encourage all of our community, staff included, to consider how they could reduce car travel to school, not just in this special week but throughout the year.
Fact Sheet here:
Website for more details here:
https://bigwalkandwheel.org.uk/