High Schools across Falkirk, Scotland, are taking part in the Schools Energy Challenge, which kicked off on October 1st. This competition aims to inspire students to reduce energy consumption and tackle climate change by competing for cash prizes based on their performance.
Participatory schools include Braes High School, Larbert High School, Denny High School, St Mungo’s RC High School, Falkirk High School, Graeme High School, and Carrongrange High School. About 120 pupils are actively involved, including eco committees, science clubs, and school captains, with top performers eligible to win prizes up to £2000.
Students are engaging their creativity to drive initiatives aimed at greater energy efficiency within their schools. They’re brainstorming and executing projects focused on practical energy-saving methods like encouraging peers to turn off lights and appliances, making the most of daylight by using naturally lit areas, improving insulation, and optimizing heating and ventilation systems. Notably, they’re also evaluating ways to reduce energy use at swimming pools, known for their high energy demands.
To support the pupils' efforts, Falkirk Council has organized workshops at each school. These educational sessions immerse students in energy management strategies and also provide resources to assist them. Councillor Bryan Deakin, who speaks on climate change initiatives, said, "This competition is a great example of how young people are stepping up to tackle climate change. By focusing on reducing energy use in our schools, students are not only helping lower emissions, but they are also contributing to Falkirk Council’s broader ambition to achieve net zero by 2030. The passion and innovation we are seeing from pupils is inspiring. It is clear they understand the impact of their actions. This competition benefits everyone, both through learning and by contributing to a greener future."
School buildings account for 62% of the organizational emissions for the Council. The financial stakes are high as the high schools collectively spend around £4 million annually on energy. A modest 5% reduction across these schools could equate to savings of £200,000, effectively preventing the release of 311 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e) emissions—an amount comparable to planting roughly 15,000 trees.
Besides the main challenge, the initiative includes recognizing schools with the most engaging digital campaigns, aiming to highlight effective awareness-raising efforts. The competition will wrap up with a prize-giving event scheduled for May 2025, where top performers will be honored for their impressive contributions.
On another biodiversity front, the annual Sustainability Table Series (STS) is taking place, focusing on the intersection of sustainability and economic growth. Scheduled for November 28, 2024, the 8th edition of STS will gather influential leaders, policymakers, and sustainability experts at Victoria Island, Lagos, Nigeria.
This year's STS centers on various policy issues integral to achieving sustainable development. Topics under discussion include forwarding fiscal policies to encourage the adoption of circular economy practices, enhancing cultural and creative industries as growth proponents, and advocating for sustainable infrastructure avenues including renewable energy and waste management systems.
The theme, "Navigading Challenges, Leveraging Opportunities in a Reforming Economy to Achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)," emphasizes the urgency for collaborative solutions to tackle Africa’s unique sustainability hurdles and forge pathways for sustainable economic progress, environmental resilience, and successful climate adaptation.
Organized by the Avant-garde Sustainability Foundation, this event promises to bring together notable personalities, including Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State, who along with various dignitaries will discuss actionable approaches for achieving the UN’s SDGs.
Commenting on the event, Temilade Denton said, "Facing the intertwined challenges of economic growth, social responsibility, and environmental preservation demands bold approaches and decisive actions to create a sustainable future." This year’s STS is also poised to feature the launch of the 2023 Sustainability Table Discourse Series Monograph. The monograph discusses the importance of financing sustainability goals, particularly underlining green finance mechanisms during global crises.
A significant highlight of STS 2024 will be the Pitch Competition aimed at empowering young innovators with funding, mentorship, and incubation support to help develop their environmental sustainability solutions.
The event will include focus areas targeting various sustainability-related themes, including Sustainable Economic Development, Climate Change Adaptation and Mitigation, Digital Transformation for Sustainability, Capacity Building, and Education enhancement aligned with the objectives of SDG 4 (Quality Education). It will also include conversations surrounding the Integration of the Orange Economy to spotlight the cultural and creative sectors as engenders of innovation and urban development.
Finally, the discussions will touch on Partnerships for Sustainable Development, stressing collaborative ventures among governments, businesses, civil society, and international organizations to advance SDG pursuits. The measure of success for STS 2024 will be the creation of actionable outcomes promoting real change beyond the conference events.
The initiative encapsulates efforts to build vibrant communities driven by change-makers motivated to redefine industries, sway policies, and ignite responsible sustainable development practices.
