The above list headed up the September 2004 edition of “National Geographic”, two thirds of which was given over to “GLOBAL WARNING.  Bulletins from a warmer world”.

On a very much smaller scale, a number of key officers from the LEA have formed themselves into an action group so as to address some of the issues surrounding “sustainability”.  The boldness of their title (SAPs) , Sustainability Action Pioneers”, is well matched with the successes achieved in education sector offices across the city.  Energy saved, resource use reduced and materials recycled.

Sound practice

It is clear that, within the city’s education sector, there are pockets of sound practice and degrees of commitment so as to make our schools and colleges more sustainable.  Things are happening both within the curriculum itself and in a variety of initiatives to reduce energy bills, increase biodiversity, confront and resolve transport challenges presented by the school run, reduce litter and be recognised by “charter”, healthy schools award...

Sadly, it is also true that many schools and colleges fail to identify a “champion” willing, for moral, ethical, or plain economic reasons, to take on the issues of the sustainability agenda which affect us all; locally, nationally and globally.

Education for Sustainable Development

Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) is gradually becoming more obviously embedded into the school inspection process.  There are many websites, varying in usefulness and quality, to support developing and building ESD in to the wider curriculum and beyond, into effectively managing initiatives to combat the changes in climate so obviously affecting the world at this time.

At some stage during 2005/2006 every public building will be required to display an energy rating (most likely on a graded, alphabetical scale A-E) indicating the efficiency of the structure.

School improvement planning is the most obvious way in which to involve staff, pupils, parents and governors in giving sustainability a high profile.  Issues of energy saving; the design and build of the outdoor classroom to support an increase in biodiversity or ensuring that ESD is firmly embedded into teaching and learning can be agenda items at governing body, school council and parent meetings.

Sustainable solutions

The issues surrounding sustainability are complex.  The consequences of inaction, at this point in time, are dire for both the planet and for generations to come.  There is no option other than to begin to take the process of reducing greenhouse gas emissions seriously.  The education sector, as an industry, involves “big money” and as such can command the “respect” (!) of “providers” in the chain of supply.  We can insist on sustainable solutions to our concerns. Birmingham, as a city, is committed to a sustainable future and certainly the support from within “Learning and Culture” is there for everyone to access.

In the coming months, “Education Now” will feature articles from Helen Budge (nee Jenkins) on developing SCHOOL TRAVEL PLANS (and the monies which they attract!).  This will be followed by an article by Peter Farrell on the importance of accessing the Asset Management web site/handbook when producing School Improvement Plans.  In terms of the future, Peter will give his views on building in sustainable features in the design of schools/colleges within any “new build” programme as well as in the “refurb” of existing buildings.

Advisors, within the Learning and Culture Directorate, are working with other LEA’s to produce an effective management audit tool to ensure appropriate success for schools in moving environmental and sustainability issues forward. 

Moving forward

Moving forward and giving a lead in making Birmingham a sustainable city through our schools:

• Make use of the expertise already available to schools.
  
  
• Make “sustainability” an agenda item at governing body and school council meetings.
  
  
• Produce a charter for the school in terms of environmental and sustainability issues.
  
  
• Create staff, pupil, governor “champions” to drive issues forward. Hopefully with SMT support and commitment!
  
  
• The BSS is pivotal to success!! Monitor gas, electricity and water usage regularly. Use the figures as “real” opportunities to develop the curriculum as well as audit incoming invoices.
  
  
• Start early! The Foundation Stage has proved to be effective where creative teaching and learning experiences make for the sustainable future towards which we aspire.
  
  
• Effective use and development of the outdoor classroom (visit a Forest Schools initiative as a catalyst to generate enthusiasm)
  
  
• Take small but sure steps towards the ideas behind “REDUCE, REUSE, RECYCLE.

Contacts

Here are a few key contacts so as to make a start or develop already established initiatives.

• To develop School Transport Plans contact Helen Jenkins on 303 7870
  
  
• Access the ASSET MANAGEMENT web site on www.bgfl.org/services/assetmgt
  
  
• Energy management on 0121 303 6530/6456
  
  
• Heating breakdowns on 0121 303 6425
  
  
• Litter Charter.  Contact Lorraine Cookson on0121 303 9934
  
  
• Leading today with tomorrow in mind. An environmental audit tool with a green school audit facility, bench marking and action plan alongside a number of useful links. (A project is underway to update this web site but it is well worth spending the time visiting the site before proposed improvements are made.)  www.thinkleadership.org.uk
  
  
• Making Waste Work-a DIY toolkit for teachers.  www.environ.org.uk
  
  
• The recycling of paper.  Use 0121 3031935 as a contact.
  This number will put you in contact with the appropriate person at your local refuse centre (ask for Dawn O’Rourke who will be available to discuss your paper/card recycling needs).
  
  
• A must for proven, quality teaching materials on environmental, sustainable development and local/global issues.  Contact TIDE on 0121 202 3290 or e-mail wmc@tide.org (arrange a visit to view books and resources at the TIDE CENTRE based at The Millennium Centre).
  
  
• Visit the QCA and DfES web sites to view current thinking on ESD in schools.
  
  
• Channel 4 video.  E-mail pl@net.com.  Education for Sustainable Development for 9-13 year olds.

Think globally, act locally

With so much to achieve in the near and distant future, this web site will be developed in a way most useful to everyone so as to carry “Local Agenda 21” forward across the sector.  We will attempt to make it user friendly with a range of links and contacts to meet the demands upon us to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and safeguard the future of our planet.

Sounds grand and over the top but we are in a position, better than most, to make an impact on those concerns listed in the National Geographic wake up call.  We can educate ourselves, our pupils and our communities to tackle the very real issues placed before us.  Think globally, act locally and make a difference.