The Let’s Go Zero campaign has reached a significant milestone at the start of 2025, with more than 5,000 schools, colleges and nurseries across the UK now signed up to take ambitious climate action. That’s over 2 million pupils and almost 300,000 staff pledging to run their schools more sustainably.
This landmark achievement underscores the growing momentum among educational institutions to lead the charge toward a zero carbon future.
Alex Green, Head of Let’s Go Zero, celebrated the milestone, saying: “Reaching 5,000 schools signed up to Let’s Go Zero is an incredible achievement that showcases the passion and commitment of educators, students, and communities to take meaningful climate action. These schools are leading the charge toward a zero carbon future, inspiring the next generation and demonstrating the power of collective action. We’re proud to stand with them and will continue to support their efforts to create greener, more sustainable schools across the UK.”
The 5,000 schools represent a diverse range of educational institutions, from primary schools in rural areas to large secondary schools in urban centers. Collectively, these schools serve millions of students, highlighting the campaign’s broad reach and impact. By signing up, schools are showing their ambition to becoming zero carbon by 2030, setting an ambitious but vital target in the fight against climate change.
Pupils digging one of the beds at Robert Broomfield Academy Middle School’s gardens, in Shefford, Bedfordshire. Robert Broomfield Academy in one of Let’s Go Zero’s 5,000 schools.
The DfE recommends all schools have a climate action plan and sustainability lead in place by September this year, and Let’s Go Zero’s free Climate Action Advisors team can help you put yours in place.
Participating schools have already achieved remarkable results, installing solar panels, introduced biodiversity projects, and implemented comprehensive recycling projects. These efforts not only reduce carbon emissions but also inspire students and their families to adopt sustainable practices at home.
Derek Waterman, Head of Governance at Green Future Investments Limited, the Let’s Go Zero campaign’s core funder, said “We are delighted at Green Future Investments to see that Let’s Go Zero has now reached a significant milestone of 5,000 schools signed up to the programme. This is testament to the dedication of the team at Ashden Climate Solutions and the expertise shown by Ashden in running such a programme. We look forward to seeing what is achieved in 2025 as we aim for all schools being zero carbon by 2030”.
Let’s Go Zero Climate Action Advisor Jasmine Newhouse demonstrating to student members of the eco committee how a thermal imaging camera works at St Crispin’s Secondary School, Wokingham.
The campaign also advocates for systemic change, urging policymakers to provide schools with the funding and resources needed to achieve their sustainability goals. With the support of influential partners, Let’s Go Zero is amplifying the voices of educators and students, ensuring their calls for action are heard at the highest levels of government.
Let’s Go Zero Climate Action Advisor Jeremy Williams giving a talk to the eco team at Robert Broomfield Academy Middle School, Bedfordshire, on the carbon emissions at their school. Each column of LEGO represents the amount of carbon emitted by each category, with the bike on top of tallest column representing transport.
As the campaign moves forward, its next goal is to increase the number of participating schools and deepen its impact. By fostering collaboration between schools, local authorities, and the private sector, Let’s Go Zero aims to accelerate the transition to sustainable education.
“This milestone is just the beginning,” added Alex Green. “We’re calling on every school in the UK to join us on this journey. Together, we can make a real difference for our planet and future generations.”
To join Let’s Go Zero and get free support creating your climate action plan and embedding your sustainability lead, visit letsgozero.org/join/