ENERGY SAVINGS | PARRS WOOD SCHOOL However, it does not begin to find solutions to the problems. To make a real difference, large numbers of people need to be engaged in making achievable and permanent changes. Schools, and in particular their students, are ideally positioned to spread this practice beyond school, to their homes and future work environments. Ultimately, its about encouraging people to take responsibility for solving their problems, and not rely on someone else to do it for them. Efficiency measures have saved 106,820 a year at Parrs Wood High Next steps Having become experienced in tackling a range of sustainability issues, the school is now keen to share this knowledge. As well as publishing articles, the students have been briefing relevant organisations on their work and how it can be better supported. The team is currently working with Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) to develop a package to encourage student leaders and staff in other schools. A lack of time, technical knowledge and confidence that students and staff can tackle more complex issues involving technological solutions were all identified as barriers by other schools. The CO2 team will be producing online resources this year, which will give clear technical guidance for other schools. It will have activities for students, and include links to the curriculum, as well as financial advice to enable them to access Salix and other funding. Above all, we want to convince students and teachers in other schools that they can initiate significant change, and that its not something that has to be left entirely to experts. Finally, one thing other schools should definitely be made aware of is just how addictive this work is. While people often complain about getting out-of-hours emails, I get them from a diverse and motivated team of students telling me about their latest research and possible solutions to problems which, for me, makes this the best job going. CJ C HRIS BAKER is a science teacher and coordinator of the student C02 sustainability team. For further information, please contact c.baker@parrswood.manchester.sch.uk The school is extremely grateful to Salix, the local authority, and other organisations for their willingness to engage with its students. References: 1 Behaviour change and energy use, The Behavioural Insights Team. (2011). London: Cabinet Office. bit.ly/CJApr20CS1 We want to convince students and teachers that they can initiate change, and that its not something that has to be left entirely to experts WHAT THE STUDENTS SAY Why did you get involved? Attending climate-change protests raised my awareness of the issue, but I wanted the opportunity to do something about it. The project sounded interesting because it had a purpose, and was focused on actually doing something. What have you learned from the project? Trying to bring about even simple change is always more complicated than you expect. If these things were easy to fix, someone would have done it already. Weve learned how complex it is to juggle the priority of the environment with all the other issues the school management and local authority have to consider. This is good to appreciate; dont just leave it to someone else to fix we all need to chip in. What advice would you give to other students wanting to get involved? Actions taken to benefit the environment need to be guided by scientific understanding; its not always obvious what the actual impact may be. Make sure all options are fully explored, as there might be some complications youve missed. Working as a team, you get a lot more done, and making an improvement across the whole school makes a bigger impact than youd expect. Also, you will be listened to by the school and local authority if you undertake serious research. Will you continue this work after college? Yes, in the choices we make on a daily basis, and by looking for opportunities to volunteer at university or at work. Do you think this work will be relevant to your future careers? One in 13 of us is considering a career in environmental science, and one wants to study philosophy and is interested in policy-making and the ethics of individuals choices and collective responsibility. The rest of the group, while not planning related careers, think sustainability in energy consumption and waste management will be relevant in their vocation. 38 April 2020 www.cibsejournal.com CIBSE Apr20 pp36-38 Supp Parrs Wood energy saving.indd 38 20/03/2020 16:46