School run biggest cause of carbon emissions in Kent schools - report finds
The daily school run is the biggest source of carbon emissions in schools across Kent, according to new research.
Analysis by Eco-Schools and Keep Britain Tidy shows that pupils travelling to school on their own account for around 21% of a school’s carbon footprint.
Staff commuting adds a further 12%.
The findings are based on data from 1,600 primary and secondary schools in England, including schools in Kent.
The report found that once school trips and vehicles are included, transport makes up around 40% of the average school’s carbon emissions.
This is higher than emissions from heating and powering school buildings, which account for around 27%. Electricity use alone contributes about 11%.
The research also found that, on average, two in five pupils travel to school by car.
Allison Ogden-Newton, chief executive of Keep Britain Tidy, said schools often focus on recycling but need to do more in other areas.
She said cutting emissions means looking closely at transport, energy use and everyday purchasing decisions.
The government has set a target for the UK to reach net zero carbon emissions by 2050.
Liz Godfrey is from the Mums for Lungs charity and she told us this:
"I have to say it does not come as a big surprise. I think for those of us who pass schools in the morning rush hour know quite how busy and polluted and dangerous the surrounding roads can be."
"And I think one of the most powerful ways that we can reduce the carbon emissions in places like Kent and the Southeast is to rapidly roll out things like school streets, which are Rd closures that drop off and pick up times."
"Not only will they reduce the traffic, but they'll improve the air quality and it means that children can arrive at school safe, relaxed and ready to learn."
As part of this, all schools were required to have a climate action plan in place by 2025, along with a staff member responsible for sustainability.
To reduce emissions, the report recommends that schools encourage walking and cycling where possible.
Suggestions include installing bike storage, rewarding pupils who travel actively, and encouraging staff to car-share.
School meals were also highlighted as a significant contributor, making up around 16% of emissions.
Offering more plant-based meals and switching to renewable energy contracts were also suggested as ways schools could reduce their impact.
Most of the schools involved in the study were primary schools.
While they made up the majority of those surveyed, their emissions were much lower on average than those from secondary schools.