Climate action in schools

An overview of schools' responsibilities for climate action, how to develop a climate action plan and the support available from Essex County Council.

From September 2025, the Department for Education expects all schools to have:

A climate action plan supports adoption of a 'whole school approach' to sustainability.

Benefits of climate action for schools

Climate action is a key priority for ECC. Schools that act now will:

  • be better prepared for the challenges and risks associated with climate change
  • will contribute to a more sustainable future for Essex communities

Taking climate action has immediate and long-term benefits for schools, such as:

  • lower energy costs and greater efficiency
  • reduced risks from flooding and overheating
  • enhanced well-being through greener, healthier school environments
  • leadership, skills and career-building opportunities for students

Support for climate action planning from Let's Go Zero - getting started

Let's Go Zero (LGZ) is a national campaign offering templates, planning tools, one to one support and training.

Register with Let's Go Zero for help with creating climate action plans.

ECC is working closely with LGZ to support training offers for Essex schools.

Dates for training that will be available in the summer term will be released shortly.

To hear about these, wider initiatives and new funding schemes as they are launched register as a Sustainability Lead with ECC.

Support with implementation from ECC

ECC has developed a Practical Guide to Climate Action in Schools to support Sustainability Leads and leadership teams with ideas for, and implementation of, their Climate Action Plans.

Visit Practical Guide to Climate Action in Schools to view the guide.