APPENDIX 8
Memorandum from CREATE
CREATE's views on lack of progress with certain
aspects of the DfES Action Plan for Sustainable Development are
appropriately recorded in a recent letter to the Prime Minister
(attached). Our concerns are twofold:
— Too much emphasis is being placed
on the development of web sites as tools for improving the presents
status of ESD and environmental stewardship in schools. Schools
don't need more information but site specific support.
— The local interface that helps schools
implement national initiatives is in decline. Cuts are being made
in local authority personnel and the NGO network is losing many
of its funding streams (eg lottery funding and landfill tax credits
can no longer be used for environmental education purposes).
Summed up, we are dissatisfied with current
progress and what is being proposed for the future.
November 2004
Annex
14 October 2004
Rt Hon Tony Blair
Prime Minister
10 Downing Street
London
SW1A 2AA
Dear Tony
RE: SUSTAINABLE
SCHOOLS
In your recent speech on the environment you
referred to the Government's huge school building programme and
the importance of sustainable development in the design, construction
and utilisation of the new schools and academies. As an organisation
promoting and supporting energy education and energy management
in schools, CREATE welcomes this initiative and your recognition
of the importance of demonstrating to children how smart building
and energy use can help tackle global warming.
The new schools will provide wonderful opportunities
to raise awareness of new construction techniques, building materials
and systems to reduce energy and water consumption. They will
foster an environment in which young people will take a greater
interest in sustainable development, encouraging them to consider
how they can lead more sustainable lifestyles.
We all know that Rome was not built in a day
and that it will be many years before the building programme will
be complete. In the meantime, many of our schools are not operating
sustainably, even those built in recent years. DfES data shows
that electricity and water consumption in schools is increasing
year on year and little is being done to halt this trend. In the
Government's UK Climate Change Programme schools were expected
to reduce their CO2 emissions by 10% by 2010. Based on current
data this will not happen.
The DfES Action Plan for Sustainable Development
details a number of initiatives to improve the environmental stewardship
of our school buildings. The plan predominantly focuses on the
development of guidance material and web sites. Information on
energy efficiency and water conservation in schools has been around
for years. More information is not needed, what we really need
is action within our schools.
It is becoming increasingly apparent that many
schools are ignorant of the information and support that is currently
available. Historically, they have depended on the support of
the local authority for energy management advice. But this layer
of support is declining. Due to devolved budgets and more contracting
out of services, energy management units in local authorities
are reducing in size or closing altogether. The interface between
Government initiatives and local action is shrinking. Add to this
the decline in funding streams for NGOs that also provide valuable
local support and the situation becomes even bleaker.
Energy management in schools is the responsibility
of governors and headteachers, for which they have little training.
Until recently the Building Research Establishment had provided
training for school managers through the Carbon Trust Action Energy
programme, but this has ceased due to the withdrawal of funding.
At a time when consumption and energy costs
are increasing we now have a situation in which many schools are
struggling to access support at a local level. Most headteachers
and governors do not have the knowledge and skills to manage their
resources effectively. They are resigned to paying the increased
costs, when they should really be looking to invest in energy
and water saving measures. The Government's school building programme
bodes well for the future, but what are you going to do to help
existing schools manage their establishments more sustainably.
Are they to wait for new buildings and do nothing for the next
10 years?
As previously mentioned more information and
web sites are not the answer. A more proactive carbon reduction
programme for all schools is required. The solutions do not require
"rocket science" but a commitment to provide on site
support for schools, using existing information, tools and agencies
in a collaborative and effective way. The funding required to
achieve this amounts to "peanuts" compared with the
budget for the school building programme.
In recent months I have engaged in communication
with Ian McCartney (our local MP), Charles Clarke and Lord Whitty
about these matters. Nothing I have read assures me that the issues
I have raised will be addressed effectively. The need for local
"hand holding" is being ignored.
I await your response.
Yours sincerely
Mike Wolfe
Chief Executive
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