Local schools are helping to shape Sunderland’s future as a greener, cleaner city where people can live, work and play.
In June, the Sunderland Schools Climate Conference brought children together to take part in practical climate-themed activities, share their ideas and engage with industry experts.
Projects showcased included food waste reduction, walk-to-school campaigns, land management, and growing produce. School pupils shared feedback, highlighting that the event was ‘fun’ and ‘amazing’, with ‘good ides’ shared. Activity favourites included Climate Action Plan Bingo, Climate Change Top Trumps and meeting the University of Sunderland’s Robot technology.
The event also launched the Sunderland Low Carbon School Charter Mark, recognising schools that embed sustainable behaviours and reduce their carbon footprint. The charter features ‘Sunny Bee’, a mascot inspired by children’s artwork
More youngsters have been involved over the summer at Together for Children’s ‘Wear Here 4 You’ Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) programme, engaging hundreds of young people in sustainability. This was delivered through activities in upcycling and biodiversity. Families also received advice on sustainable transport, recycling and energy efficiency.
In the last 2 years (2024–25), 22 Sunderland schools received a total of £231,000 through the National Education Nature Park grant, to transform grey spaces into green learning environments. This builds on the Climate Friendly Schools pilot, which has been supporting schools with audits, action plans, and eco-projects like tree planting and renewable energy exploration.
Last academic year, more schools joined the programme including Southmoor Academy, Benedict Bishop CE Academy, Diamond Hall Infant Academy, St Benet’s RC Primary School, and North View Academy. Plans are now underway to support schools with a careers and green skills focused project through the Social Enterprise Academy.
Councillor Lindsey Leonard, portfolio holder for Environment, Transport and Net Zero at Sunderland City Council said:
“We’re proud to see our schools leading the charge on climate action. The enthusiasm and innovation shown by our young people has been really inspiring. The conference we held in the summer highlighted how education can drive real change for a greener future.
“By empowering children to take ownership of sustainability projects, from growing their own food to reducing waste, we’re not only building environmental awareness, but also nurturing leadership, creativity and resilience. These young voices are shaping the future of Sunderland, and we’re committed to supporting them every step of the way.”
Young voices continue to shape Sunderland’s climate future through the Environmental, Green and Sustainable (EGS) youth group, which has co-designed initiatives, contributed to campaigns, and created sustainable models for display at Ecofest Sunderland.
Young people are also playing an instrumental role in Ecofest Sunderland, with family-friendly activities at the Museum & Winter Gardens and a pop-up market at Keel Square taking place this year on Saturday 4 October. Mini Ecofest sessions will run at Washington and Houghton Libraries from 29 September to 1 October.
For more information on the Low Carbon School Charter Mark, visit: Sunderland Low Carbon Charter Mark
For more information about Ecofest, visit: Ecofest Sunderland – MySunderland
